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Nervous Wales ready for Four Nations debut

28th October, 2011
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Wales coach Iestyn Harris admits the nerves are jangling ahead of his side’s Four Nations rugby league debut against England on Saturday.

The Welsh earned their shot at the big three of Australia, England and world champions New Zealand with victory over France in the European Cup final 12 months ago.

England are first-up at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, and Harris can sense the excitement among his players.

“They are a little bit nervous and agitated but you would probably expect those nerves to be there when you are a couple of days away from an elite competition,” Harris said.

“If they weren’t there you’d probably be a bit more concerned.

“It is about us finding the right balance as a group now and getting them mentally and physically prepared for Saturday.”

Wales stepped up their preparations for the tournament with a comfortable 30-6 win over Ireland in Neath last week.

“The game was a means to an end. We wanted a physical hit-out,” Harris said.

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“Ireland are certainly a team we knew would turn up.’

“We know, respectfully, the competition is going to improve in intensity this week.

“There are some good players in the England side but there are some good players in our side as well and we will see what is around the corner.”

As expected, Warrington captain Lee Briers returns as captain for the game against England after sitting out the Ireland game.

Briers will be making his 21st appearance while Swinton’s much-travelled playmaker Ian Watson is poised to win a record-extending 29th cap.

Three debutants from the Ireland game – young Cronulla forward Tyson Frizell, Peter Lupton and Matt Seamark – have also been included.

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