French camp gives Wales a taster for time in Japan
ALL focus will be on Cardiff on Saturday when Wales host England in a Six Nations humdinger, but at the same time there is also a bigger picture to consider.
Warren Gatland’s side will, of course, be going all out for victory in what is essentially a Grand Slam decider at Principality Stadium, but their Six Nations campaign is being undertaken with the World Cup at the end of the year in mind.
In between their opening two away wins over France and Italy, Wales took the unusual step of deciding not to return to Wales and instead undertake a training camp on the French Riviera.
“For us, there’s been a bigger picture that we were looking at for the first two games,” said Gatland. “That was having the opportunity to get away for a week with a squad of 31 and replicating what might happen at the World Cup. We will have a similar situation to that in Japan.
“It was an excellent camp and for us to get two away wins is an outstanding start. It was not a great performance against Italy, but it is still a great start to the tournament for us.
“Things are in our own hands with two big home games to come.”
Wales have always prided themselves on being in the best possible physical condition for World Cup rugby and they plan on being the same for Japan.
Gatland made ten changes for Italy and his first-choice players who were rested for that game were given a severe physical workout in a bid to prepare them for England.
Away from their normal Vale of Glamorgan training base with its cryotherapy and altitude chambers, Wales improvised by using the Nice sea front for recovery.
Whatever happens in terms of the result against England, Wales are in fine fettle according to head of physical performance Bobby Stridgeon, who is charged with Wales’ physical preparation and suggested the Nice camp.
He said: “We know with Wales that when we stay in camp together and get into our own little bubble, we improve. We had great weather and it all went well. The players are in good condition, they enjoyed the trip, but they will get even better.”
Head of entertainment Liam Williams led the offfield activities, with the Saracens ace admitting he and other members of the squad have become addicted to playing gin rummy.
And No.8 Ross Moriarty is hoping the exprience pays off on Saturday.
“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “It actually snowed and rained quite heavily when we first arrived, but the boys had the chance to relax in the sun which was great.
“It was more relaxed than normal but when it came to the rugby stuff we were all very switched on and it was nice to do something different. Now we need to put in a big performance against England on Saturday.”