'It's like facing Muhammad Ali'
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:05
Wales centre Jamie Roberts is adamant that Wales will deliver the result of November this weekend by upsetting, Grand Slam chases, New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium.
Roberts compares the challenge facing the Welsh Dragons this weekend to that of stepping into the ring with Muhammad Ali in his prime but, despite the mammoth challenge, he is confident that Ryan Jones’ men will be the ones delievering the knockout blow this Saturday.
"Probably for a lot of players when they play the All Blacks, it’s like when people were fighting Muhammad Ali," said the Cardiff Blues star.
"They’d lost the fight before they’d even fought. I’m sure that’s happened to a lot of teams down the years.
"There’s a lot of talk of psychology when you are playing against the All Blacks. But it’s a game of rugby at the end of the day.
"It’s 15 on 15 on a patch of grass. Take the crowd away from it, take the Millennium Stadium away from it, take the history of Wales and the All Blacks away from it and it’s a game of rugby.
"It’s whoever performs on the day and we believe we have a team to do that.
"There probably always will be a psychological factor playing against the All Blacks.
"But we are the Grand Slam champions. Every side is beatable and that is the mindset we have to take into the game.
"Some sides don’t get that right and they have lost the game before it even kicks off.
"We have to have real belief and, if we play similarly to how we did against South Africa, we have a chance.
"Obviously, we have to be more clinical and play the game in the right areas. We are playing the best team in the world, so everything we do has to be top notch. But, if we turn up on Saturday and produce the goods, I am sure we can pull off a stunning victory."
Roberts himself has experienced an amazing rise to prominence over the last 12 months and remembers well, not too long ago, watching some of his opponents this weekend on television during his school days.
"It’s crazy and it’s come so quick," he said.
"I remember being 16 or 17 and watching the likes of Dan Carter and Ma’a Nonu and these players and just being absolutely gob-smacked by their skills. Now I’m going to be on the same pitch as them.
"You do have to pinch yourself sometimes. But you realise you are here for a reason. We all need to realise we are good enough to be here.
"Playing the All Blacks is something I’ve always dreamed of doing and hopefully I’m not going to let it slip by.
"It’s a dream come true for me and the highlight of my career to date and hopefully we can make Saturday an historic occasion."
Only 22 years old Roberts still has plenty to experience in the world of professional rugby, and one of those experience, which every player dreams of, will come before the kick-off this weekend.
"I was fortunate enough to play against New Zealand in the Under-19 World Cup out in South Africa and faced the haka there,
"But it’s a totally different kettle of fish at the Millennium Stadium with a full crowd. It should be an experience I’ll never forget.
"There’s been a couple of rumours flying around this week that we are doing something in return, but I don’t think we are, unless it’s some kind of Welsh folk dancing!
"Obviously it’s a very traditional thing the haka and we probably wound them up a couple of years ago when they ended up doing it in the changing room.
"I’m not sure about the background to what happened there. But I do know all the boys are looking forward to facing the haka and fronting up to it.
"I think it is inspirational and hopefully it will bring out the best in us.
"It’s going to be a massive match and a massive occasion. All the players know this is a huge game for Warren (Gatland) against the side where he comes from.
"But the players are playing for the jersey, the team, the country and ourselves, and we will be doing our best to do them proud.
"You’ve got 22 guys more than willing to empty the tank for their country and hopefully that will be enough."
Can Roberts and co. get the job done this weekend? Nonu vs. Roberts - what a clash!
