Yahoo Sports Tshiunza backs Gatland's long-term vision for Wales
Exeter Chiefs forward Christ Tshiunza says he backs Warren Gatland's long-term vision for Wales.
Tshiunza is part of Gatland's 34-strong squad which will be looking to halt a record 12 successive Test losses in their Six Nations opener against France.
Gatland's position had been on the line amid a winless 2024, but after an autumn review the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) challenged the New Zealander to "lead Wales to success" at this year's tournament.
"I think he's got a vision with the Welsh team, I really do," said Tshiunza.
"Maybe not everyone sees it, but I do. I think he's got a vision and he's trying his best to create depth as you've seen in the past campaigns."
Gatland's Six Nations picks include uncapped Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards and Scarlets wing Ellis Mee, but there is no place for Gloucester's Gareth Anscombe or Max Llewellyn.
"There's been a big change in the players coming in and out and he's [Gatland] really trying to find the team for the next four to eight years instead of just a team that will win us campaigns now," said Tshiunza.
"The easy option would be to just pick the older players who are experienced, he's not doing that, which I give him credit for, because obviously it leaves him vulnerable on the results side on a short-term scale."
Tshiunza admits he has not been getting us much game time at Exeter as he would like, but is looking forward to making an impact in Wales camp.
"Not playing in the last couple of weeks has allowed me to refocus on how I train and that's something that I really want to transfer into the Six Nations, because I know Gats is a person who really picks on training form," he said.
"I'm quite happy where I am at the moment in terms of training and performing. I really do want to transfer that into Wales and then hopefully get some good game time."
Wales open their campaign in Paris on Friday, 31 January and Tshiunza is relishing the occasion
"How can you not? It's the biggest stage of rugby I'd say.
"It's an big opportunity for players to put their hand up on a world stage and show the world what they're made of," he said.
Tshiunza also believes previous results should not matter and that Wales must back themselves against the French.
"All it is is a game at the end of the day and it's about who turns up," he said. "Anything before that game really doesn't matter, it's about how either team perform on that day.
