Gatland warns his players

Wales boss Warren Gatland insists: “There is no comfort zone for anyone” against Canada.

Wales boss Warren Gatland will send his players into battle against Canada on Friday insisting: “There is no comfort zone for anyone”.

Gatland admits it is a chance for players to make an impression ahead of fixtures with New Zealand and Australia later this month.

And Dragons lock Luke Charteris could be one of those who fits the bill.
The 6ft 9in forward makes his first Test appearance for a year, having impressed in Heineken Cup and Magners League action this season.

“The carrot is to be selected for the last two games,” he said.

“The exciting thing is youngsters coming in and playing well – there is no comfort zone for anyone.

“Luke has been playing well for the Dragons. He has been winning a lot of ball and calling the line-outs, making good decisions.

“We've got to use some of that ability and his height. His play about the field has impressed us as well.”

Wales struggled in the line-outs against South Africa, suggesting a powerful performance by 25-year-old Charteris on Friday could catapult him into contention against the All Blacks next week.

“Every time I go out, I am looking to perform and play the best I can,” Charteris said.

“I am happy with my form, the Dragons are playing well and I had a good pre-season, working really hard.

“My fitness is good, which has allowed me to make a big contribution. The new rules also suit me in terms of opening up the game a bit more.

“I thought the South Africa game was a mark of the progress the team has made.

“We were disappointed with the result. Whereas we would have been happy with that in the past, now we're devastated, which shows where we are.

“Our fitness was superb, and we will be looking to build on that and get a win to take it forward.”