Wales has warned they will head into the second Test against the Wallabies in better shape after reaping the benefits of two matches on Australian soil and a less-harried preparation.
Lock Alun Wyn Jones wasn’t making excuses, but pointed to Wales’ rather unsettled lead-up to the first Test which they lost 27-19 in Brisbane last Saturday.
The Welsh squad flew to Australia in two separate groups earlier this month in consideration of Ospreys’ appearance in the Pro12 final and the Wales v Barbarians game in Cardiff, while lock Ian Evans missed the series opener altogether to get married.
Jones, who also flew out late so he could attend his sister’s wedding, said there was no doubt the Six Nations champions would be better prepared heading into Saturday’s Test in Melbourne.
“From weddings and finals and all these things that we had before we came out, Baa Baas games, we were as prepared as we could have been,” said Jones after leading Wales’ mid-week squad to a 25-15 victory over the Brumbies on Tuesday.
“There’s no excuses from the last game and there’ll be none going into the next one.
“We’re bound to be better for it after two games and we’ll build from that.”
Coach Rob Howley said it was in Wales’ make-up to up the ante in the second game.
“History obviously shows from our 2008 and 2010 tours that we get better in the second Test so we’re looking forward to that challenge this time around,” he said.
“We desperately want to be at the top and you’re only going to get better by playing Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
“The more we play against the Australians the better we’ll become.”
Coming into the game off a midweek win – albeit against a largely inexperienced Brumbies outfit – would also be a boost for Wales, Jones said.
Howley rested the majority of his starting players for the clash at Canberra Stadium, but with his second-tier side putting in a dominating performance, he’s given himself more than one selection headache.
Veteran five-eighth James Hook and flanker Justin Tipuric were particularly impressive and each scored one of Wales’ three tries on the night.
“I think all 15 (players), all 22 asked questions,” Howley said.
“We’ve got two packs that can go head-to-head and it’s great to have those decisions to make and to have a competitive side.”
Wales are expected to announce their team on Thursday.
You aren't giving enough credit to the Ozzie pack there, Genia had a great game, but it wasn't only him, he performed that way thanks to his forwards
Robbie Young
Guest
If genia plays like he did last week Wales lose if he doesn't Wales wins ! Simples
johnno42
Guest
wales always talks a good game... lets see on saturday
I love how players say they're not giving excuses before coming out with a bunch of excuses. The title says it all though. No doubt the Welsh will be better. The question is can the wallabies and will the wallabies play better as well?
It is a shame Australia are missing some top players, that would have put this series beyond doubt for me, I still think even though Wales will come at Australia with everything they've got, it won't be enough. Since the RWC, Wales have now lost three on the trot and although the scores are all relatively close, the two matches last year were won by the 70th minutes. If Wales couldn't win against OZ last weekend, I don't hold much hope for them this weekend. They need to up thier intensity, find a way to access ruck ball quicker, Phillips isn't the fastest clearer of a ball behind the ruck, and when he decides to go on oneof his powerful runs he has the ablity to break the first tackle, it is after the first tackle he breaks where he often gets isolated or doesn't look to offload, so any gainline breaks he makes is dependant on him scoring, as his team doesn't benefit from quick ball into space
Bushytop
Guest
Hopefully Wales will react to their 1st test disappointment in exactly the same way Australia reacted to their disappointing loss to Scotland... by focussing on their strengths and executing as if in a Zen-like disposition. Pocock was outstanding at the weekend but he was up against a severely undercooked Warburton (the guy hadn't played a match in 12 weeks) I'd imagine he'll be better this week. Genia was on another level, what worries me as a Welshman is his intelligence. Wales will Target him in the 2nd test but I think he'll be clever enough to use this to his advantage by allowing others on his side more time and space. Wales need to start Beck at 12, he's been the form NH 12 in club rugby and will give their attack much more of an edge. I'd also LOVE to see Delve get the nod at 8 (although it just won't happen) I genuinely believe he would be the missing link in what apart from a top number 8, is a world class pack. Apart from that I want to see the Welsh pack bully the Aussies a lot more before releasing our backs (& ONLY WHEN IT'S QUICK BALL PLEASE). I expect Wales to be more competitive in the next two tests but having been very impressed by the Aussies will it be enough?