Western Mail

Gatland's Fergie-Style Rant Cannot Hide the Real Reasons for Another Defeat to Men in Black

WARREN GATLAND sounded like Sir Alex Ferguson when he launched a rant at the refereeing of Craig Joubert following Wales' 21st Test defeat in a row against New Zealand. Football managers like Manchester United boss Fergie are notorious for attempting to shift the blame for defeats on to match officials.

There Are 101 Things I Could Have Done in That Situation, I Should Have Done Better - Alunwyn

ALUNWYNJONES has opened up on his inner hurt in the wake of Wales' Millennium Stadium defeat to New Zealand. In a brutally honest interview, the Ospreys lock has shouldered responsibility for two decisive incidents in the dramatic closing stages of the game.

Close Calls Go Against Us ; Coach's Verdict Warren Gatland

WARREN GATLAND insisted teams like Wales always get the rough end of the referee's whistle when they come against the likes of New Zealand. The Kiwi laid his feelings bare in a bitter broadside in the aftermath of Saturday's 19-12 defeat that he claimed was influenced by the decision not to yellow-card Dan Carter for what appeared a high tackle on replacement scrum-half Martin Roberts in the latter stages.

We Were Good Value for Win

GRAHAM HENRY brushed aside Warren Gatland's complaints about the referee to insist his side could have won more comprehensively. "It was a highly competitive Test match," said the man who led Wales between 1998 and 2002.

Carter in Apology Over That Tackle On Roberts

MARTIN ROBERTS has revealed how Dan Carter apologised to him for the high tackle that provoked a Millennium Stadium controversy. All Blacks fly-half Carter went unpunished for the swinging arm to the neck that felled Roberts late on, denying the replacement scrum-half the chance of a dramatic try.

Dafydd and Luke Are the Big Injury Worries Forwales

DAFYDD JONES and Luke Charteris are Wales' main injury doubts going into the rest of their autumn campaign. Jones, a second-half replacement against New Zealand, left the Millennium Stadium with his arm in a sling.

Wales Players Blow a Fuse Over Poor State of the Millennium Pitch

LEIGH HALFPENNY has urged the WRU powers-that-be to sort out the state of the Millennium Stadium pitch for the remainder of Wales' autumn campaign. The playing surface cut up badly from the start of Saturday's game against New Zealand, with sections of turf coming adrift right across the field.

We Are Close to Ending Nz Hurt - James

ROOKIE international Paul James is adamant Wales will end their long winning drought against New Zealand within the next year. They are scheduled to clash three times - Down Under next June and in Cardiff in November 2010 - as they build for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Shane Wants to Work His Magic Against the Islanders

WALES wing Shane Williams has told Warren Gatland he wants to play against Samoa next Friday. Changes are expected to the side who lost 19-12 against New Zealand as the Wales coach considers wrapping up his top stars in cotton wool against the hard-hitting south sea islanders with fixtures coming up against Argentina and Australia.

Wales Making Progress - Jones

STEPHEN JONES insisted Wales are moving forward, despite results over the last 12 months suggesting the contrary, writes Delme Parfitt. The Wales and Lions outside-half maintained: "It's the first game we've played in a long time. No excuses, but we are going in the right direction.

Carter Admits Nz Were Feeling the Heat, Says Skipper Ryan

WALES captain Ryan Jones has revealed how Dan Carter told him New Zealand were worried they were going to lose at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. Carter's admission came after the dramatic finale in Cardiff as the All Blacks held on to a 19-12 win.

Predictable Wales Have a Lot to Learn From Thriller at the Liberty ; Club Football Versus International Rugby. Surely There Could Be Only One Winner? Not a Bit of It, Says Delme Parfitt

SHOULD Swansea and Cardiff ever again play each other at football on the same day as Wales and New Zealand clash on a rugby field, I will only want to be in one place. I never envisaged saying this, but as a sporting occasion, what unfolded at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday beat hands down what was later on offer 40 miles up the M4.

Key Abse Entees Were Such a Big Loss

DAVE JONES insisted the seeds were sown for derby day defeat when he learned three of his creative kingpins would miss the Liberty Stadium clash. ste Boss Jones bemoaned the loss of top scorers Michael Chopra and Peter Whittingham as well as playmaker Stephen McPhail after seeing his side undone against Swansea City.

Tale of Two Cities As Bluebirds Lose Out in the Big Derby Battle Once More

BRAGGING rights to the Swans. Another bitter pill for the Bluebirds to swallow. Talk about a contrasting tale of two cities.

These Wins Help Put Us On the Map

PAULO SOUSA has insisted his goal remains a global one after securing local pride at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday. The Swansea City manager made the ambitious point upon his arrival at the club this summer that he wanted to put the club on the map.

Swans Skipper Tate: Derby Win Is Best Feeling You Can Have

ALAN TATE labelled derby-day success as an even better moment than Swansea City's great survival act six years ago. Tate was part of the Swans side which survived on the final day of the 2002-03 Football League season by beating Hull City 4-2 at the Vetch Field.

Ashley's Swipe After 'Shutting Up Critics'

WALES star AshleyWilliams believes Swansea City have shut up Jay Bothroyd and the others who don't give them "the respect we deserve". And he responded by taking a huge swipe at Cardiff City's routeone playing style, stating: "I don't know when they turned into Stoke City."

Bothroyd: Paper Talk Wasn't Meant to Offend the Swans

PANTOMIME villain Jay Bothroyd insisted his pre-match taunt did not disrespect Swansea City. Cardiff City striker Bothroyd's claim that Swansea are weaker than last season dominated the derby build-up.

Ledley Turns Towales After Swansea Setback

JOE LEDLEY is looking forward to joining up withWales this week - if only to take his mind off Cardiff City's devastating derby defeat. The midfielder should line up for John Toshack's side in a friendly against Scotland at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

Birthday Treat for Deano

Dover Newport C 1 2 COUNTY manager Dean Holdsworth celebrated his 41st birthday a day early as his team stretched their lead at the top of Blue Square South to five points after breaking the hearts of second-placed Dover. The Kent outfit gave it their best shot and for a period in the second half had County on the back foot, but Newport had the game's outstanding player in skipper Gary Warren.