Wales must use frustration against Boks, says Jones
WALES must channel their frustration at having lost to New Zealand into trying to post an unprecedented third successive victory over South Africa this weekend, skipper Alun Wyn Jones said.
The Welsh dominated possession and territory for large periods at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday, especially in the first half, but were never in control of the scoreboard.
Down just 12-11 at half time, Wales had no answer as the All Blacks ran out comfortable winners, with wingers Rieko Ioane and Waisake Naholo each crossing for try doubles in the 33-18 victory that extended the world champions’ winning streak over the Welsh to 30 games over 64 years.
“It’s a cliche, we’re fortunate in a way, we’ve got another game to go,” Jones said. “Hopefully, our frustration will fuel us next week.”
South Africa have themselves spluttered on their northern hemisphere tour.
The Springboks beat Italy 35-6 on Saturday, having edged France 18-17 a week earlier. But they also went down to a record 38-3 defeat by Ireland.
Their recent form in Cardiff is not great, with Wales running out winners both last year and in 2015, rare victories for the home side over one of the big southern hemisphere giants.
“We have got a big week next week,” Wales coach Warren Gatland said.
“We have beaten them the last two occasions we have played them. We need to learn from the first three weeks we have been together, and continue to improve.”
But Wales will be without a host of players for the encounter. Rhys Webb (concussion) and Jake Ball (shoulder) both made early exits against the All Blacks, while there is also doubt over centre Scott Williams (ankle).
Wales will also be without their England-based players who don’t have a release for next week’s game as it falls outside the international window.
Gatland said he still needed to find out the status of Owen Williams, Tomas Francis, Taulupe Faletau, Rhys Priestland and Jamie Roberts – who all play for English clubs – for the Boks.
“There are a few players going back to their clubs next week,” Gatland said.
“We will see where we are from a physical point of view over the next 24 hours and then start preparing for another tough match.”
The consolation is that Bok coach Allister Coetzee must also bid farewell to some of his overseas-based players.
Francois Louw, Franco Mostert and Duane Vermeulen will all be missing from the pack versus Wales, although flanker Siya Kolisi will rejoin the squad in Cardiff, having missed the Italian test for the birth of his second child.
Former Wales and Lions legend Barry John, in a column for the Wales on Sunday newspaper, was blunt about what Wales had to produce.
“What Wales have to aim for is a repeat of their first-half performance, only this time sustained for the duration of the match.” – AFP