Wales aiming to bounce back from opening setback
WALES will be looking to bounce back following their opening defeat in the Rugby League European Championship.
They meet Scotland in Galashiels tonight (7.30pm) knowing victory will keep alive their Championship and World Cup qualification hopes.
Scotland were beaten 36-10 by Ireland n their opener while Wales lost 54-18 in France.
The Championship winner and runner-up will qualify automatically for the 2021 World Cup.
Wales head coach John Kear said his side, the defending European champions, have learnt lessons following defeat in Carcassone.
“We still felt we could play better and that’s obviously been our focus this week to try and ensure that we do so,” Kear said.
“Our squad is young and I’ve no doubt that matches like last weekend’s against France will benefit the players.
“They’re all hungry to play and qualify for the next World Cup.
“I believe that if we do so we’ll give ourselves every opportunity of coming away with a favourable result.
“We’re pretty confident we can give a good account of ourselves.”
Kear is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of Scotland, adding: “They’ve got a couple of good half backs in Oscar Thomas and Ryan Brierley.
They’ve some big fellas up front who will carry the ball at you as well as a bit of pace wide out with people like Dave Scott.
“We’re fully aware of their threats but we’re also fully aware of our opportunities that we can get against them. Hopefully we’ve done our homework well and that will pay off for us.”
After missing out against the French, Wales’ Mike Butt has been included in the 19 and will be hoping to earn his first cap.
Wales host Ireland at Wrexham’s Racecourse Stadium on Sunday, November 11 in their final game of the tournament, while Scotland play France.
Dalton Grant (Bradford Bulls), Josh Ralph (Easts Tigers), Chester Butler, Connor Davies, Curtis Davies, Dan Fleming, Sion Jones (all Halifax), Ben Evans, Elliot Kear (c), Rhys Williams (all London Broncos), Elliott Jenkins (Rochdale Hornets), Gavin Bennion (Salford Red Devils), Ben Morris (St Helens), Mike Butt, Rhodri Lloyd (both Swinton Lions), Courtney Davies (unattached), James Olds (West Brisbane Panthers), Morgan Evans, Steve Parry (both West Wales Raiders).
Wales squad: