Six Nations: Wales coach Warren Gatland says team have 'forgotten how to lose'
- Published
Wales have forgotten how to lose - Gatland
Wales' comeback victory in France in the opening match of the Six Nations showed they have "forgotten how to lose", said head coach Warren Gatland.
Trailing 16-0 at half-time in Paris, two George North tries helped Wales turn the game on its head in the second half to triumph 24-19.
The result gave them a 10th successive win for the first time since 1999.
"Our game-management was poor but we found a way to win," said Gatland. "It's nice to get out of jail."
France started superbly and tries from Louis Picamoles and Yoann Huget looked to have put them in control.
"The message at half-time was to just raise the tempo," said Gatland.
"For me, the big difference between the two teams is that we've become a side that's probably forgotten how to lose and can dig deep like that.
"On the other hand, they're probably a team searching for some confidence, having not had a great run in the last seven or eight matches."
Six Nations: Wales beat France in comeback in opening game
Speaking before Friday's match, Gatland said he thought his side would win the Six Nations - his last in the job - if they won in Paris.
The prospect of a fourth Six Nations title of his 11-year reign looked remote during a first half in which an error-ridden Wales were overwhelmed.
Although Gatland was unhappy with parts of Wales' performance, he said he hoped snatching victory in such a manner could set up another title bid.
"To win this tournament, you need a bit of luck," he added.
"We look back on our victories and know that sometimes you have the bounce of the ball and something goes your way. It's about trying to create momentum and get off to a win.
"France in Paris is a real challenge first up in the Six Nations and if you can win the first game, you create momentum and then you have a good chance of winning the tournament.
"We know that when we are together over a period of time, we get better and more accurate.
"We have another away game next week and it'll be tough. We're off to Nice for a week together. That'll be great, hopefully the weather will be OK. We look forward to Rome on Thursday."