Phillips wants Welsh start
Mike Phillips is determined to make the Wales No.9 shirt his own again after being dropped to the bench in last weekend's November opener against Australia.
The 32-year-old veteran of 88 caps and five Tests for the British and Irish Lions, found himself playing second fiddle to Rhys Webb as Wales were beaten 33-28 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
However, he could find himself in the starting XV against Fiji and, with less than a year to the World Cup in England, Phillips vowed to fight for his place.
"I have been fortunate to start a lot for Wales in recent years. Rhys deserved his last chance last week. I thought he played well and he took his try very well.
"I am a competitor, I think people know that. I am a proud man and we all want to play for Wales. It's a great thing to have competition in the squad.
"The competition is healthy, and I am enjoying it. You keep driving yourself forward and keep pushing yourself. I will always have that competitive streak. It is a big part of my make-up, and it is why I am here, really.
"The World Cup is all of the players' goals – we all want to be there. It is a massive year of rugby in the lead-up, and we have got to play well every time we have the opportunity for Wales," he said.
Fullback Leigh Halfpenny (concussion) and flyhalf Dan Biggar (groin), look set to miss the Fiji clash.
"Leigh is going through his concussion protocols and we are hopeful he will be able to train later in the week.
"If he is not right, it is the same sort of situation and principle we had last week with [centres] Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams. We have to put safety first and make sure this is the same situation with all our players.
"I would expect Dan to be available, if not for this weekend, then for the last two matches," Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said.
Wales have added Gloucester's James Hook to their back division by calling him up to the squad.
Fiji, like Australia, are also in Wales's World Cup pool next year. On their last visit to Cardiff four years ago, the Pacific Islanders claimed a 16-16 draw.
"Warren has mentioned there will be some changes [against Fiji].
"The last time we played them with our near full-strength side we won 66-0 [2011 World Cup].
"The one thing that changed on that day was our attitude, and I have no doubt our attitude will be right on Saturday with people playing for World Cup places. It will be key on Saturday when you play against Fiji with their physicality," Howley added.
Source : AFP
