We’ll handle any call-ups says Jamie
JAMIE ROBERTS says he is fully focused on leading his country rather than adding a third Lions tour to his CV after Wales secured their first win at Eden Park yesterday.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland is set to reinforce his squad with at least five new faces in the coming days and Roberts, who toured in 2009 and 2013, would be a reliable addition.
But after Wales secured a flawed but deserved victory over Tonga here in a match that was part of a double header with the the All Blacks’ clash against Samoa, the 30-year-old centre said the Lions would do just fine without him.
“They have a great shot at the Test series,” said Roberts. “I can see them building nicely as a group. “There are some seriously talented players there who can cause the All Blacks some problems.
“Hopefully the boys will be fit and firing for the first Test.”
Wales are likely to leave for Samoa tomorrow with some of their best players staying behind with the Lions.
Gareth Anscombe was one to catch the eye with an excellent performance from full-back. “If we lose players, we’ll have to adapt accordingly,” said Roberts.
“We have to develop our strength in depth and we’re doing that well at the moment.
“This result is something to build on and if we do lose players, we have the artillery to come in.”
With Robin McBryde in charge in the absence of Gatland and Rob Howley, Wales did lack cohesion, coughed up possession too regularly, and struggled at scrum time. Alex Cuthbert’s sublime individual score – the wing chipping through and collecting his own kick – was the game’s one moment of class.
Sam Davies’ three missed shots at goal meant Wales led only 8-3 at the break, Sonatane Takulua kicking Tonga’s points.
Wales lost Cuthbert to injury early in the second half and the pouring rain made for a scrappy encounter with errors aplenty.
Davies found his kicking boots to put Wales 17-6 up and there was still time for a late penalty try, which was automatically converted as part of World Rugby’s new laws.
McBryde’s matchday squad contained nine uncapped players and, whether there are Lions call-ups or not, he will head for Samoa – who were thrashed 78-0 by the All Blacks – knowing they must improve. Roberts agreed, saying: “We didn’t play too much high-risk stuff and the main thing looking forward is to respect the ball a bit more.
“When we get to phase three and four, we have to be better.
“Sam missed a few kicks but he responded well and I’m delighted more than anything for the new guys. For them to win their first cap at a venue like Eden Park in a win for Wales is pretty special.
“Samoa are very strong and the main lesson for us is turnovers. If we do that next week they’ll hurt us, but we’ll enjoy a few cold ones tonight.”
TONGA – Pens: WALES – Tries:
Pens: Con: