JORDAN GARETH RELISHES AN OLD PALS’ ACT FARRELL’S GOT NO KIWI FEAR
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GARETH ANSCOMBE hopes a partnership forged 11,000-miles away will get a shot at landing a pre-world Cup blow on group rivals Australia on Saturday.
With Dan Biggar ineligible for this Test and Rhys Patchell struggling with concussion issues, Anscombe was given the opportunity to stake his claim for the No.10 jersey.
He ran through his full attacking repertoire at the Principality Stadium, with his former Auckland team-mate Hadleigh Parkes the ideal foil outside him.
“We are good mates and it’s nice to line up with him in a red jersey. If someone told us that four years ago, we’d never believe them,” said Anscombe, who qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother, while his fellow Kiwi is now a resident. “We’ll keep trying to grow our partnerships and, hopefully, we can cause some trouble. We’re looking forward to taking on the Aussies.”
Anscombe put George North over with a delayed pass that sent the giant wing on a rampage through three Scotland defenders, while Jonathan Davies’ first Wales outing for 12 months was decorated with a brilliant try.
Wales England
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Scotland South Africa
11 THE All Blacks have been warned by Owen Farrell that England are coming after them on Saturday’s narrow win over the Boks. In their last 13 Tests, the world champions have been beaten just once – 36-34 by South Africa in Wellington two months ago – and their reserves ran in 10 tries in Tokyo in dismantling Japan 69-31 at the weekend.
But Farrell insists New Zealand can be toppled in the Twickenham showdown. England’s co-captain said: “Anyone can be beaten. I don’t think any team is unbeatable. They got beat not so long ago, didn’t they? They are a very good team with some very good players.
“They’ve got a strong belief in what they’re doing, sticking in games for a long time and normally coming away with a win. We know it’s going to be a big test. The best team, the No.1 team in the world is coming. Everybody loves playing against the best teams. We will go in with clear heads and really look forward to it.”