‘Brutal’ test for Welsh rookies
WALES are braced for a brutal Pacific Island welcome when they face wounded Samoa in Apia this morning.
Robin McBryde’s men are looking to build on their victory over Tonga, but the giant Samoans and sweltering temperatures stand in their way.
“The Samoan onslaught is going to come,” said attack coach Matt Sherratt. “They’re a very proud team and nation. They don’t play in Apia very often and they’ll want to do themselves justice.
“The first 20 minutes are going to be brutal. [Defence coach] Shaun Edwards spoke to the team this week and told the young players they’re going to have to be ready for that.”
Wales’ starting XV contains just 151 caps – and 92 of those belong to captain and centre Jamie Roberts. Lock Rory Thornton, prop Dillon Lewis and scrum-half Aled Davies make their first starts.
Samoa are looking for a response on home soil after being thrashed 78-0 by the All Blacks. Despite the hot weather, rain is forecast for the game and the home side will target the tourists up front. But Lewis is ready for the challenge after making his debut off the bench against Tonga.
“Samoa have a big front row, so it’s going to be a big test,” he said. “My end goal was always to get that international cap and it’s a dream come true.”
His parents, though, have missed out on seeing their son’s first foray into Test rugby. “My father used to coach me and he had a massive role in my development,” he said.
“But he booked three weeks in Corfu. He was in tears at one point as he couldn’t change it. My mother has no clue about rugby and wouldn’t be budged on the holiday. Hopefully they’ll see me play for Wales in the future.”