Welsh not played game in their minds ‘too early’

Alun Wyn Jones is confident Wales have not played the World Cup semi-final against South Africa “too early” in their minds.

Wales face the Springboks tomorrow, a week after Ross Moriarty’s late try and a Dan Biggar conversion edged them past quarter-final opponents France.

It was far from a vintage display by the Six Nations champions but they ultimately got the job done.

“There is potentially an element we played the game a bit early in the lead-up to France,” Wales skipper Jones said.

“And the messages early on (this week) were to enjoy the week. You can get burdened sometimes about the big occasion and the magnitude of the occasion.

“But the message alluded was to enjoy the week – you have earned the right to be in this week. I am pretty sure we have not played it too early this week.”

Wales head coach Warren Gatland, meanwhile, is fully aware what will be required against a Springboks side striving to reach a third World Cup final.

Gatland said: “We talk about physicality that other teams bring against us. We have got to not just match that, but bring our own physicality in terms of a World Cup semi-final.

“And that’s important when you play South Africa. They are definitely physical.

“Against Japan (in the quarter-finals), I was surprised (Duane) Vermeulen wasn’t red-carded during the game or cited afterwards (for a swinging arm). We have to match the physicality that South Africa are going to bring.”

Wing Josh Adams, meanwhile, needs one try to equal Shane Williams’ Wales record of six in a World Cup campaign, highlighting how far he has come since his country’s last World Cup semi-final appearance eight years ago.

He said: “I have just tried to take it all in my stride as it has come, and I’m very fortunate to be looking forward to a World Cup semi-final.

“We have never reached a World Cup final, and I think the feeling we’ve all got is that this is probably our best opportunity in a long time to do that.

“It’s a chance for a bit of history, and it’s going to be a massive game.”

Picture: Getty. Focused: Alun Wyn Jones.