Jenkins cites the need to step up
Wales must beat Australia on Saturday to claim the inaugural James Bevan trophy, but despite the closeness of last week’s result, coach Gareth Jenkins warned of the need to step it up on every level.
Only a last-gasp try from Stephen Hoiles after the hooter prevented the Welsh securing a famous victory in the opening Test in Sydney last weekend as the tourists eventually fell to a 29-23 defeat.
But with – probably – Stephen Larkham back directing at fly-half, and the Wallabies having been scorned for their wasteful ways and sleepy defence, particularly in the opening quarter last weekend, the re-match ought to be a harder proposition.
“There were many positives for us to take out of our performance last week and the players will have renewed self-belief on Saturday night,” said Jenkins.
“Australia will have undoubtedly learnt lessons and will come after us, but we know now that we do not fear them and we have proved that we have something to offer as well.
“We should have beaten them last week and the only thing that will make that easier for us to bear is to go one better this week and make sure we have more points on the board than them, not just when the hooter goes at the end of the game, but right up until that ball goes dead.”
Replacement scrum-half Gareth Cooper loses his place on the bench following his late error and another former Bath number nine, Andy Williams, takes over as Jenkins made three changes in personnel and two positional switches for the clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Skipper Gareth Thomas, poised to win his 94th cap, moves from wing to full-back in place of Lee Byrne, a switch engineered to give exciting prospect Aled Brew an opportunity on the left wing while Chris Czekaj switches to the right.
Up front Michael Owen continues at second-row after replacing head-injury victim Brent Cockbain in the 35th minute of the first Test and Mefin Davies takes over at hooker from Matthew Rees, who has returned home to be with wife Becky for the birth of their first child.
Having failed to get on the field last summer in Argentina, Cardiff Blues flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor takes the place vacated by Owen’s promotion as he seeks to become established as the long-term number seven successor to Martyn Williams.
Cooper’s failings apart, Jenkins also expects Leicester-bound Davies to add some composure at the line-out following the jitters that affected all concerned in Sydney.
“Mefin will use all his international experience to slot into the front row and pick up where Matthew left off,” said Jenkins.
“We are fortunate to be able to call on someone of his international stature.”
