Sam grows into the job to guide Wales home
SAM Davies believes the experience of his first Wales start will make him a better player after he helped Robin McBryde's side to victory over Tonga.
After six previous appearances as a replacement, Davies began Wales’ summer tour opener at Eden Park and recovered from a sloppy start to guide his team to what was in the end a comfortable win.
The 23-year-old Ospreys fly-half missed three kicks at goal before half time in Auckland, but was much better from the tee in the second period as he ended the game with 12 points.
“It was great to get a start, I really enjoyed it. There were some kicks I should have got, but it’s all about bouncing back and I was able to do that,” Davies said.
“I stuck to my process, stayed calm, and struck a couple of important kicks in the second half. That's part and parcel of your job. If you miss a couple of kicks people will be on your back, so I had to make sure I nailed the others and I did. I thought I responded well and the experience of that will only benefit me in the fuure. I’m looking forward to next week now.”
McBryde’s squad to face Tonga contained nine debutants and the tourists’ first-half dominance meant they should have been further clear than the 8-3 lead they held at the break.
Alex Cuthbert collected his own chip through to score a superb individual effort after having two previous attempts ruled out by the TMO. But Davies’ wayward kicking after an early penalty meant the game was still in the balance for the second period. Driving rain didn’t help an encounter low on quality and Wales lost Cuthbert at half time to a shoulder injury.
Attacking rugby was limited and Wales turned the ball over too often to string a number of phases together. But Tonga’s poor discipline gave Davies more chances of points and he made them pay.
Three well-struck second-half penalties sealed Wales’ win and there was still time for a late penalty try following a powerful forward surge which was converted automatically as part of World Rugby’s new laws. Sonatane Takulua kicked Tonga’s points.
Davies added: “Conditions were tough with the rain in the second half. We blew a couple of opportunities and could have put the game to bed in the first half.
“But fair play to Tonga, they didn’t go away. We fronted up in defence and controlled the game in the second half and that’s credit to the boys. I was pretty happy with my kicking
in the second half we got the territory we needed. This was a positive start for us as a group.”
Wales now travel to Apia to face Samoa – who were hammered 78-0 by the All Blacks – on Friday.
“We could have scored a few tries if we’d kept hold of the ball in the first half against Tonga and we need to learn from that,” Davies said. “We know if we don't cough up the ball, we’ll be in a better place next week. Samoa will be a completely different test and the boys will relish it.
“We’re going into the game in a good place after this result.
“I’m sure it’s going to be dry out there and quite hot, so we’re going to have to adapt quite quickly to that in the training week.
“I’ve got full confidence in the boys we can go out there and do a job.”