Dewi Lake on ‘awkward’ moment he was asked to skipper Wales and funny Magaluf story
Wales hooker Dewi Lake.
Wales hooker Dewi Lake has spoken of the “awkward” moment head coach Warren Gatland asked him to skipper his country against England on Saturday.
The Ospreys forward was on a physio bed receiving treatment when Gatland approached him to captain Wales in this weekend’s second Rugby World Cup warm-up game.
Lake admitted he was “stunned” by the request before understandably accepting the honour, despite the laid back approach and setting.
Build on Jac Morgan’s success
Now the hooker will be eager to build on the performance of last week’s skipper Jac Morgan, who was outstanding in the team’s 20-9 win at the Principality Stadium, as he recalled how this weekend’s role came about.
“I was on the physio bed, and he (Gatland) just came over and asked if I would like to captain the team,” he said.
“It was a bit awkward for me, probably because you are obviously stunned at first and I just said I would love to do it.
“Yes, there was a bit of silence where I think I just said the one word because I was so shocked.
“It is an honour for me to be able to do it, and I am privileged that he asked me to lead the boys out this weekend.”
Lake was quick to message his family after receiving the honour but he admitted one response was not quite as immediate due to them “clubbing” in Magaluf.
“Well, my mother and sister were in Magaluf so I didn’t get a reply from them for a bit because they were out clubbing!” he said ahead of the Twickenham clash.
“Obviously, they are made up. They have obviously put a lot of effort in for me as well, driving at 6am to get you to under-18s or under-16s training.
“It is as much my achievement as it is theirs. They are the people who have put the time into me, obviously along with coaches.”
The hooker must now lead by example on Saturday as Wales look to back up that Cardiff triumph, with a similar message being given to the team for this rematch.
Physical battle awaits
“The game-plan is going to be relatively the same this week,” Lake said. “It is about fronting up, it is about matching them physically up-front.
“It is important to have a bit of an edge and to not take a backwards step. It’s also about standing up for yourself and not letting any kind of occasion or any person get the better of you.
“A lot of this game is mental isn’t it? There’s a lot of little things players will try to do, especially England. who like a whoop and a cheer with a turnover.
“Just that kind of mental thing which may get in your head, so I think it is important to stick together as a group, but obviously stand together as a group as well.”
