Wales Prepares for South Africa Test Under Gatland's Intensifying Scrutiny

Warren Gatland's future as Wales coach faces uncertainty as the team seeks to avoid a winless year against the reigning world champions.

Wales has suffered a record 11 consecutive defeats, with a loss to South Africa potentially marking their first winless calendar year since 1937.
Warren Gatland, in his second stint as head coach, has expressed his desire to remain in the role but acknowledged the mounting pressure and external decision-making about his future.
The Welsh Rugby Union would reportedly face over £1 million in costs to terminate Gatland's contract, which runs until the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Gatland has made five changes to the starting lineup for Saturday's match, prioritizing young and inexperienced players despite the Springboks' significant advantage in caps and depth.
Broader issues in Welsh rugby, including financial struggles, underperforming clubs, and declining grassroots participation, have compounded the national team's challenges.