Warren Gatland may have passed the 10-year milestone with Wales but his greatest accomplishment might yet be further down the road.
Gatland’s sense of optimism and pride was obvious following his team’s series-clinching 30-12 victory over Argentina in Sante Fe on Saturday night. It was a victory that delivered a first aggregate triumph on tour in South America since 1999 and it lifted Wales into third in the world rankings, with England now one of the rivals who have slipped behind.
Yet neither of those achievements – the series win or the high ranking – was foremost on Gatland’s mind when he left the UK a month ago, or now.
That remains the World Cup in Japan next year, where the New Zealander hopes to eclipse his successes in the Six Nations by lifting the trophy before he hands over the role to someone else.
It’s an ambition that appeared far-fetched a year ago, but the depth Gatland has created – helped by the four regions – means the injuries that undermined the 2015 campaign might not be such a factor four years on.
Wales went to North and then South America without their rested Lions players from last year, but they have appeared far from toothless or without claws. In fact, Sam Warburton, Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Dan Biggar and Ken Owens will return to the squad aware that reputation will not get them as far as it once did.
There has also been a change in style – typified in the tries scored in two Tests against the Pumas – that augurs well for Japan.
As well as injuries, Wales failed at the 2015 World Cup because they were unable to adapt in key moments against both Australia and South Africa, but the current squad have added creativity and flexibility to their more familiar attributes.
Against the Pumas second time around, even a late red card for No.8 Ross Moriarty failed to detract from Wales’ glory as Josh Adams and Hallam Amos scored tries and fly-half Rhys Patchell ended the game with 20 points.
“It’s definitely the most pleasing tour I’ve had with Wales. A lot of people were sceptical about the trip and they’d written us off, but we’ve achieved everything we set out to do,” Gatland said.
“I thought the boys were outstanding and the performance was very good. We’re up to third in the world which is an even bigger bonus as well.
“This group of players have been outstanding both on and off the field and with the way they’ve prepared and trained, I haven’t seen a group this hungry for a while.
“It’s a great position for us to be in.”
After impressing in a 22-20 victory over South Africa in Washington and then downing the Pumas 23-10 in the first Test, Wales were even better against the South Americans seven days after their first meeting.
Their defensive line speed made the hosts look plain average.
Argentina’s woeful discipline allowed Patchell to kick four first-half penalties and he also converted a sublime individual try from Worcester wing Adams, his first at international level.
After the break Amos finished off a fine team move, but the only disappointment for Wales was seeing Moriarty dismissed.
The forward saw red for choking Argentina fly-half Nicolas Sanchez around the neck late on, his actions leading to a brawl between both sides.
His leaving of the field allowed Julian Montoya to cross for a converted try in the game’s final play after Bautista Delguy had given Argentina hope just before the break.
“Ross has reacted after being hit from behind. I’m not too sure it was a red card, but you accept the referee’s decision,” Gatland said.
“In fairness to Ross, he’s disappointed in himself. He’s apologised to the player. It’s disappointing, but we won’t take too much out of that.”
Moriarty said on Instagram: “Sorry for my reaction at the end of the game. I’m extremely proud of this squad and our performances on this tour.”
Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade announced he will leave his role after next week’s Test with Scotland on the back of a second defeat in as many weeks.
Hourcade took charge of the Pumas in 2013, but took full responsibility for his team’s failings. His imminent departure leaves Argentina in trouble ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship.
“The team did not show any answers and the responsibility is absolutely mine, I assume it entirely and the message is no longer getting through,” he said.
“We feel this is a completed cycle. I talked previously with the UAR and agreed the June window was decisive. We did everything possible and there were no responses from the team.”