Gatland is 'best coach in world', says Wales assistant

Wales assistant Rob Howley has described Warren Gatland as the world's best coach and insists their under-fire boss is going nowhere.

Speculation continues to rage about the New Zealander's future following a record run of 11 successive Test match defeats, headed by their record thrashing by Australia at the weekend.

Life is not about to get any easier, with world champions South Africa arriving at the Principality Stadium on Saturday for Wales' November series finale.

Another loss would mean Wales go through a whole calendar year without winning a Test, which has not happened since 1937.

During Gatland's first stint in charge from 2008 to 2019, Wales were World Cup semi-finalists, Six Nations champions and grand slam winners.

This time around, amid far more challenging circumstances and attempting to mould a new squad, they've won just six out of his 23 Tests at the helm.

It is uncertain whether Gatland will remain in charge for the Six Nations, which Wales kick off against France in Paris on January 31.

But Howley, who has worked with the New Zealander for more than 20 years as a player and then coaching colleague, has no doubt Wales still have the right man.

"We've got the best coach in the world who has had a legacy of over 13 years," Howley said.

"He has won grand slams, and there is no better coach to have in your camp than Warren Gatland. He gives players the confidence and self-belief they need to go out and play.

"He is a hugely respected coach and has coached over a number of years. His legacy with different teams is a winning legacy.

"I think at the moment we are in this spell where we are losing and losing. We, at some point, know we will win, and I hope it will be on Saturday."

Asked would he be prepared to take an interim role as head coach if Gatland leaves, Howley responded: "Warren Gatland won't leave."

South Africa have won six of the last seven Tests against Wales and are ranked as the world's No.1 team.

The bookmakers have written off Saturday's clash as a no-contest, with South Africa fresh from beating England while Wales lost 52-20 at home against Australia.