The Rugby Paper

Adams isn’t the quickest in Wales but he’s most deadly

- By ROB COLE

JOSH Adams is confident of scoring whenever he gets the ball, but he would still never back himself in a foot race with his Wales wing rivals.

Despite his status as the top try-scorer at last year’s World Cup in Japan, Adams still recognises the competitio­n he will have for a starting spot this autumn.

“If it came down to a shoot-out between George North, Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Owen Lane, Louis Rees-Zammit, Johnny McNicholl and me I know I wouldn’t win,” admitted Adams.

“If everyone was fit I’d put my money on someone like Louis or Johnny. To be fair to Louis, he is quick – a young whippet. All credit to him, he has done fantastica­lly well when he’s had his opportunit­ies. I think it’s brilliant he’s having a bit of time at full-back as well this season.

“You have to be versatile and be able to cover No.15 as well as wing. For him to get exposure at full-back will definitely be beneficial for him going forward.

“I will hold my hands up and say that one of those two, Louis, right, or Johnny, far right, would pip me in a race.”

However fleet of foot he might be, ReesZammit still has some ground to make up on both Adams and North in the one race that really matters – getting into the Welsh team.

Adams has 14 tries in 24 Tests and ten in his last ten internatio­nal outings and has become Wales’ go-to winger. His internatio­nal record since February 2018 debut speaks for itself. “I just want to pick up where I left off last season before I got injured. There are no thoughts of South Africa in my mind – the only focus is playing well for Cardiff Blues,” added Adams. “If I don’t do that then I won’t get into the Welsh squad. And if I don’t make the Welsh squad I won’t get a look in for the Lions. It is as simple as that. “The key to success is working hard on your weaknesses and strengthen­ing your strengths. You can take nothing for granted, especially as we are blessed with back-three players in Wales. “They are all in form and full of experience. It’s a really competitiv­e group and we are always pushing each other.”

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 ??  ?? Lions hopeful: Josh Adams
Lions hopeful: Josh Adams

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