We will be 'ruthless and clinical'
Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:03
Captain Ryan Jones, one of just three players retained from last weekend’s 15-20 defeat to South Africa, says he will accept nothing less than a "ruthless and clinical" performance from Wales as they host the Canadian side on Friday night in Cardiff.
With the All Blacks arriving at the Millennium Stadium just a week later coach Warren Gatland has taken the opportunity to rest a number of his key players against the North American side, with only Jones, Leigh Halfpenny and Tom Shanklin retaining their places in the starting lineup.
"It was a difficult weekend for all involved,” said Jones.
"But we have a six-day turnaround, and we have to make sure we are fit and ready to go against Canada.
"The key is we put Saturday's game to bed as quickly as we possibly we can - that's the same if you win or lose.
"The most important thing is the next fixture.
"It is going to be a pretty tough, physical encounter, but we have got to make sure we perform with the same endeavour that we did on the weekend.
"We can't afford to go out there and be anything less than ruthless and clinical. That is what I will be saying to the players."
One of three new names in the Wales lineup this weekend is Scarlets scrumhalf Martin Roberts. Particularly considering that both Gareth Cooper and Dwayne Peel are expected to miss the November 29 clash against Australia (because of club commitments) Gatland admits, while he expects Roberts will be more than capable, the selection was somewhat forced.
"We've got to plan for the two scrum-halves not being there (against Australia).
"At the moment, with it being unlikely Dwayne Peel and Gareth Cooper will be available for the Australia game, I thought it would be pretty unfair to throw the young kid [Roberts[ in against Australia without him having a run."
While the debut itself may well be little bit fortunate the truth is Roberts form so far this season has certainly warranted his selection. A meteoric rise over the last five months Roberts looks back on his decision to leave the Ospreys as a big turning point in his career.
"If I look back five months ago, I was getting an odd game now and again with the Ospreys, and things weren't looking promising," he said.
"The move to the Scarlets has helped, and it is just about getting the opportunity to play regular rugby.
"When you play once every couple of games, you feel as if you have to go out and impress all the time.
"But when you know you are going to get a regular run of matches, you can play your own game. You don't feel pressured into trying to impress the coach."
