Gatland says Wales skipper Warburton will set example
The youngest World Cup captain ever, aged 22 years and 341 days, he leads Wales into battle against South Africa tomorrow and Gatland believes his skipper will win an army of new admirers when they witness the form that has impressed European audiences over the past 12 months.
“There are three definite what I consider world-class (openside) players at the moment in terms of (David) Pocock, (Richie) McCaw and Brussow,” said Gatland.
“And I would rate Sam in that category as well. A lot of people haven’t seen a lot of Sam Warburton, but I think he will create an impact after a few games in this World Cup.”
Warburton, who captains a team containing nine World Cup debutants, will need to boss the critical breakdown area if Wales have any chance of registering only their second win in 105 years against the world champion Springboks.
SOUTH AFRICA: F Steyn, JP Pietersen, J Fourie, J de Villiers, B Habana, M Steyn, F du Preez; T Mtawarira, J Smit (capt), J du Plessis, D Rossouw, V Matfield, H BrĂĽssow, S Burger, P Spies.
WALES: J Hook, G North, J Davies, J Roberts, S Williams, R Priestland, M Phillips; P James, H Bennett, A Jones, L Charteris, AW Jones, D Lydiate, S Warburton (capt), T Faletau.
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