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Rugby World Cup: Wales Advances to the Semifinals 33

Posted on October 08, 2011 by Thomas Rooney

Jonathan Davies scores for Wales during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

Wales coach Warren Gatland believes he is able to field a more rounded side than he has ever been able to put out before.

With all his star players returning from injury, the New Zealander has a full squad to choose from, and that was evident during their 22-10 victory over Ireland on Saturday to advance to the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

He also believes that the blend of youth and experience in his side can only have a positive effect on results.

Gatland said: “The nice thing is I feel we have a balance we haven’t had before.

“We’ve got players who can get us across the gain line, we’ve got pace out wide, we’ve got a pretty special youngster (in wing George North), we’ve got loose forwards that can carry, loose forwards that can compete on the ball, a couple of big second rows and a more experienced front row, as well.” Read the rest of this entry →

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