Wales: Warren Gatland’s legacy on line as unwanted losing record looms

How quickly things can change.

From 10 defeats in 2002-03 to a Slam in 2005, Gatland and Rob Howley oversaw eight defeats in 2012-13 but responded immediately with a Six Nations title.

Conversely, it was just 13 months ago that Wales were running riot against Australia, scoring 40 points on a magical World Cup night in Lyon.

It has been steadily downhill since for Wales and a record-equalling 10th straight loss, a first-ever defeat to the Fijians at home and not a single Test win in the whole of 2024 has prompted yet more soul-searching.

But would another coach do better? It could not have been worse.

There still appears little appetite within the WRU to wield the axe. Gatland could yet ride out a poor autumn, but he surely would not survive another bad Six Nations.

“It is what it is. We have not thrown in the towel,” he said.

“I believe 100% in what we’re doing. The conviction is there and that probably takes away some of the noise that’s coming towards us.

“I haven’t really thought about making that decision [to step down], we will see what happens. Maybe if we win the next two I will think about it.”