Rassie has high praise for Wales coach Gatland

Cape Town - Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has heaped praise on Wales counterpart Warren Gatland ahead of Saturday’s Test in Cardiff.

The Welsh are on an eighth-match win-streak and currently occupy third spot on the official World Rugby rankings.

“The way they have been playing, they have been beating proper teams and they are on a great run. They gave Scotland a comfortable beating and beat Australia, who we play regularly,” Erasmus told reporters in Cardiff on Monday.

Gatland has been in charge of Wales since December 2007 and Erasmus said he’s been impressed by the New Zealander’s achievements.

Gatland also led the British and Irish Lions to a series draw against the All Blacks last year.

"The way they manage the game is typical (of the) northern hemisphere. Warren Gatland really understands the technical and tactical side.

"To keep a job like this in a rugby-mad country for so long shows his quality. What I can see from him in this specific cycle is the way he is building depth for the World Cup.

"I rate him as a coach. He has learned from previous lessons and really building a squad of depth for Wales, which is almost a warning for the rest of us.

"He seems to have three proper nines, three proper 10s, different guys who can play 15, good front-rowers... back-up in vital positions."

Erasmus will name his side on Thursday, with Saturday’s Test scheduled for 19:20 (SA time).

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