Wynne Gray: Gatland critical even at pinnacle of victory

Recently, Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary was in Hamilton to accept an honorary doctorate for his achievements.

In the same city on Saturday night, the Waikato rugby team reached their season's Everest as they annexed the revamped national championship. They completed their goal and ended a drought reaching back to 1992 when current coach Warren Gatland was in the middle of a famous front row.

Gatland is one of those practical characters who generally seem to have a decent grasp on reality, someone who knows that fundamentals rather than emotion win rugby matches.

Away from the elation of victory and the plaudits aimed at Waikato for their success against Wellington on Saturday night, Gatland painted a more cautionary tale about his side's performance.

He did not want to detract from their triumph; it was an evening when men like Marty Holah, Keith Robinson and Jono Gibbes deserved to revel in their deeds. But Gatland was a discerning observer. Had he used mountaineering jargon, his side was still in the foothills. They had made Base Camp but had a long way to go.

That sort of judgment was a departure from the normal fare served up by coaches whose sides win championships.

It probably explained why Gatland made his mark in Ireland, with Wasps, now Waikato, and has been brought into the Chiefs' camp for their next Super 14 campaign.

He was disappointed with Waikato's first half - whether it was the expectation, the occasion or the demands they placed on each other - and had been vocal at the break that it was about time they played some rugby.

Some driving play was fine, several moves had been sharp, the set-piece was travelling well - but there were too many mistakes, tackles were missed, passing was poor and Waikato had not played to the level Gatland wanted.

He wanted them to raise the tempo of the game. He felt they were a much fitter side than Wellington and probably 20 or 30 points better than the visitors. Waikato had allowed Wellington to stay in the final, and he, as a coach, had to analyse and unpick those times to prepare his side for greater deeds and more consistency.

It was refreshing that even in victory, Gatland was able to offer a candid summary of his side.

The mistakes were there and he was not going to duck the issues. As a coach his aim was to develop regular improvement, and under some pressure on Saturday the side had produced some glitches.

However, the core of Gatland's rugby credos shone through at Waikato Stadium. His side's setpiece was too strong for the visitors.

The scrummaging absence of Neemia Tialata and early injury exit of Joe McDonnell helped, while Waikato's lineout blotted out the visitors.

Awareness was also a valuable attribute as halfbacks Byron Kelleher and Brendon Leonard cashed in on several episodes of Wellington uncertainty.

Gatland and the province are now, after a lost generation, winners together.

Can that translate into success for the Chiefs in the next Super 14 series?