Rugby World Cup: Wales inspired Gatland selections

Warren Gatland's triumph with Wales last night at the Rugby World Cup underlined why the former All Black is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby.

His inspired selections, quiet determination and measured demeanour have his team on the verge of uncharted Rugby World Cup territory if they can win their semifinal next weekend. Gatland's decision to play Rhys Priestland as his starting first-five ahead of experienced campaigners such as James Hook and Stephen Jones showed faith which the 23-year-old repaid.

"He controlled the game well but I admit it was heart in mouth stuff when he had a second penalty hit the posts at 22-10," Gatland said. "If that had gone over, the game was over. He ran well and used the width of the field to make our midfield look good."

Leigh Halfpenny was another late pick who shone, especially under the high ball. There was also some selection cunning. Gatland named Shane Williams on the left wing to mark Tommy Bowe but played him on the right. "Shane's not the tallest man and Tommy is superb in the air. So I moved [1.92m] George North over there."

Gatland reserved special mention for the rise of No8 Toby Faletau, winning just his eighth cap: "He's a natural Island boy, doesn't need a lot of coaching; he just reads the game well and is only 20. With him and two 23-year-old loose forwards [skipper Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate], we have a promising future."

That goes some way to explaining Gatland's decision to sign on as Wales coach until 2015. He has a young team who are potential world beaters in four years as well. For New Zealanders, Gatland could be the one that got away.

He could also be excused for some sense of satisfaction in beating Ireland. He coached the greens from 1998-2001 when he was ousted in a political coup by his then assistant Eddie O'Sullivan, who himself was later sidelined in favour of current coach Declan Kidney.

Gatland's first World Cup, in 1999, ended badly with Ireland not making the quarter-finals, losing to Argentina. This World Cup has been rather different.

The sense of resolve under Gatland was best demonstrated by Wales' discipline and defence, particularly in their own 22. Yes, Ireland opted out of taking three potential kicks at goal and eventually slotted one but Wales tackled relentlessly without the urge to slip rogue hands into the ruck or come in from the wrong side.

"We were under pressure several times, particularly in that first half, and the defence was outstanding," Gatland said. "We tried to take the feet out from under those strong Irish ball carriers."

A trademark rush defence, where some might claim they pushed the offside to its limit, also reaped rewards.

What is also impressive about Gatland's reign, which began with a Six Nations victory in 2008, is his loyalty to the current young crop. He has a nurturing touch.

"They have no baggage; no fear factor," Gatland said. "We're in New Zealand, not in the bubble of Wales. While we're here, we don't have to listen to the pundits spouting negativity each day. I don't think any team would have worked as hard pre-season. We had guys throwing up doing stuff in the sand dunes. These guys went through some pain. That galvanises a team."

There was one injury concern for the Welsh. Lock Luke Charteris took a knock to the shoulder. He was in a lot of pain without much strength after what Gatland described as a "phenomenal work rate and tackle count in the first half". He will be reassessed today.