Having crashed out of the tournament in a tense encounter with South Africa in the semi final stage last weekend, Wales are now aiming to finish their tournament on a high by defying all the odds and beating New Zealand in the Bronze medal match in Tokyo, tomorrow morning.
They certainly have their work cut out for them. The All Blacks were comprehensively beaten in a compelling match against England, and will be in no mood to gift Wales a first win in over sixty five years.
I’m pretty happy overall with the Wales team selection, many of the nine changes from the semi-final defeat reflecting the number of injuries picked up along a brutal World Cup campaign. A few decisions, though, hint that Wales plan to attack with ball in hand (and hopefully not get drawn into the type of kicking game that played into the Springbok’s hands last weekend). I’m especially looking forward to Rhys Patchell and Tomos Williams starting in the half backs – two sharp attacking threats who, at their best, can cause New Zealand some problems. Owen Lane on the wing is another who showed scintillating form last season. I believe he has a big future ahead of him in a Wales jersey, and this is the perfect opportunity to announce his arrival on the world stage.
Alun Wyn Jones has had a magnificent tournament, the record cap holder for Wales leading his country with a passion and determination typical of every time he’s pulled on the red jersey. Tomorrow will almost certainly be his World Cup swan song – expect this warrior to rise to the occasion.
Another who has excelled in Japan is Aaron Wainwright, producing blockbuster performances against Australia and France, and scoring his first international try against the latter. The Dragons back-rower is an athletic and intelligent rugby player quickly establishing himself as a key member of the squad. The future is looking bright.
All the very best to Wales for tomorrow – it may not be the game these teams were hoping to be involved in, but it’s shaping up to be quite a match.
The Welsh Rugby Man 