The options Wales would have to replace Warren Gatland

As Wales fell to yet another defeat, Warren Gatland looked like he'd had enough of Welsh rugby.

The words he uttered laid out his intention to stay, but the pauses as he thought about each answer carried more weight than what he actually said. This was a man questioning whether this was still the job for him.

Only when the question was put to him about whether anyone else could do better in the role, did Gatland sit forward in his chair.

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"That’s a lot of expertise in the room in terms of the writers and stuff," he began by saying. "If you’re going to change me, like I said, I’m all for the best decision for Welsh rugby.

"But who are you going to get to come in and how are they going to make a change? All I’m saying is, what I think the best thing is, how do we mitigate some of the negativity?

"Maybe making a change will help mitigate some of the negativity because it will deflect things and the focus will be on something else. But will it improve the game?

"Are you going to find the right person to do something else? Or are we better off sticking our head down, ploughing on and hopefully putting some things in place that can hopefully make some improvements at regional level and in the pathway, which can hopefully benefit us."

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On TNT's coverage, Dan Biggar was also making the point that no one is going to come in and wave a magic wand, but, crucially, that doesn't mean it's not the reason to make the change in the first place.

“Does a change in management all of a sudden turn around and Wales are going to beat South Africa next week and France in the opening weekend (of the Six Nations), the answer now is probably not," said the former Wales fly-half. "But, there has to be a time where a change can’t do Wales any harm.”

Which brings us on to the crucial question. Should Gatland go - and that is feeling increasingly likely - then who replaces him? The man himself has already pointed to the lack of relative options.

It's true there's perhaps not a host of coaches out there, but there's certainly some options should the Welsh Rugby Union start looking soon.

Michael Cheika, having done an impressive job with Argentina, is currently in the midst of a one-year deal with Leicester Tigers. Shaun Edwards, the man who masterminded Wales' defence previously under Gatland, has been a loss to Welsh rugby since leaving in 2019. He's enjoyed more success with France, but the top job could persuade him to come back.

Brad Mooar was a popular one in Welsh rugby circles, with his positive nature and youthful energy shining through at the Scarlets. Since then, he's worked as an assistant coach with New Zealand, Scotland and Argentina - demonstrating his coaching potential at Test level.

Franco Smith could be another contender, with the former South Africa fly-half and Italy coach having led Glasgow to the United Rugby Championship title last year. Bristol Bears coach Pat Lam, despite the fact the Gallagher Premiership club's form has been erratic at times, has previously expressed his desire for the Welsh job.

New Zealander Tony Brown, one of the finest attacking minds in the game, is currently revamping South Africa's attack, but would a head coach role interest him? The likes of Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph could also be in the mix.

Don't forget Jake White too, who often seems obligated to be linked with any vacant job.

The bookmakers have put former Ospreys head coach and Scotland defensive guru Steve Tandy as favourite, with Ronan O'Gara, Dai Young, Chris Boyd, Mark McCall, Robin McBryde and Adam Jones all featuring on the list of odds.

Even further down is another man under pressure, England head coach Steve Borthwick. He's on the same odds as Eddie Jones. Don't worry, they're very long odds.

Most of those names seem like non-starters. Perhaps that's why Gatland feels comfortable asking who could do a better job.

Soon though, the WRU might have to ask that very question.