Planet Rugby

Welsh must think to win

12th November 2009 15:42

Ryan Jones lays it down

Ryan Jones: Has to box clever

Wales captain Ryan Jones has urged his team to "play smart" against the renowned physical threat of Samoa in Cardiff on Friday.

Jones and company know exactly what is coming from the South Sea Islanders - an abrasive, big-hitting approach that makes them dangerous opponents.

And when the considerable skills of world-class backs like Seilala Mapusua and David Lemi are bolted on, Samoa possess enough attacking weapons to make life distinctly uncomfortable.

The fixture's history should also jolt Wales, given they have only beaten Samoa three times from six attempts, with two of those defeats being suffered in Cardiff during World Cup campaigns.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is taking few chances, retaining ten of the side that started last Saturday's Millennium Stadium defeat against New Zealand, including six 2009 Lions.

"It's a huge mark of respect to Samoa, who are a serious threat," said Ospreys number eight Jones.

"There are not sweeping changes, which allows us to build on our performance of last week.

"There is a core of the team still in place, while it is a fantastic opportunity for those guys coming in which they have got to take with two hands.

"They (Samoa) are going to be big, they are going to be physical, they are going to be direct. We've got to confront that challenge and be extremely combative.

"The set-piece is going to be key for us and the breakdown area, as it always is. We have got to play smart and make sure we've got a good balance to our game.

"It is important we focus on the stuff that's good in our game and impose that on them. The key for us is making sure we get our own house in order.

"We know what is good in our game, and we've got to build on that.

"We've been emphasising the need to execute things correctly time and time again. That is how you squeeze and pressure teams and then, when they are under pressure, you've got to make sure you score points."

Wales' last two Millennium Stadium Test matches - against Ireland and the All Blacks - saw the home side finish try-less on each occasion.

And while he might have only just turned 20, there is considerable emphasis on fly-half prospect Dan Biggar - a colleague of Jones' at the Ospreys - to drive Wales' attacking game.

"It is a big game for Dan, a big opportunity for him," added the skipper.

"He's been nothing short of superb with the Ospreys this year, and I think people don't credit him enough for the maturity he brings for someone of his age.

"He is not overawed by the occasion. He's a tradesman with a full box of tools.

"Dan has got it all, and over time I am sure we will see him evolve into a world-class ten. He is slightly opinionated at times, but that's a strength, it is a real positive to his game.

"He doesn't always like being told, but sometimes he is right too, and he is not afraid to tell you. He's one of those that brings the best out in others as well."

Biggar apart, Gatland has also handed opportunities to wing Tom James, who completes an all-Cardiff Blues threequarter line, scrum-half Dwayne Peel, hooker Huw Bennett and flanker Sam Warburton.

"It's a great test to see where we are," said Wales lock Alun-Wyn Jones, one of the players who backs up from the New Zealand game five days ago.

"They don't get much more physical than Samoa. They've got some big players up-front and a lot of flair behind, so it's going to be a good test for us.

"In the past, they have maybe had problems getting players released from their clubs in Europe, but they seem to have a good squad for this.

"After last weekend it wasn't a sense of 'we've come close to New Zealand again, oh well done'.

"We could have won that game. We were in a position to win it, and we didn't.

"More than anything, I think this game on Friday is a step towards putting a bit of that to bed."

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