After season one followed Wales’ journey through the 2023 World Cup in France, season two is back with a bang with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and exceptional insight into the squad as they prepare for the Six Nations.
Episode one sees the Welsh Rugby Union media team cameras follow the players from squad selection to their first game against Scotland.
20-0 down at half-time, footage shows the words spoken by Warren Gatland in tense scenes to his players watching on with bated breath. The 60-year-old makes it clear that they have no option but to play [with ball in hand].
“We haven’t played any rugby, have we? Just go an play, alright? Back yourselves and play and get some speed in this game.
“It’s the only option we’ve got at the moment, it’s so slow it’s just going in the air. Let’s go and play some rugby. Get excited about doing that!”
Gatland is well known for leaders outside of the captaincy to motivate with footage showing Ospreys lock Adam Beard leading the rallying cry.
“When we get in the 22, we have to come alive. We need to bring tempo. We need to bring that physicality.
“It isn’t going to be a question of effort, this game, I know it isn’t, but how accurate can we be when we’re working hard, ok?”
After the match, captain Dafydd Jenkins is seen showing the leadership skills that have impressed Gatland by rallying his teammates for this weekends tie against England.
Despite his youthful look it’s clear that 21-year-old Jenkins is older and wiser than his years and has the respect and passion that has seen comparisons to now retired former skipper Alun Wyn Jones.
“We can’t take a backwards step from that second half. We were a bit asleep in that first half but f*** me, when we’re on fire, no team will live with us. Let’s take that going into England, alright?”
Yes Daf, we’re not arguing! – I for one can’t wait for the game and will certainly be tuning in for episode two mid next week.
You can watch Gwlad, Gwlad via the WRU’s YouTube channel here.
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union YouTube]
