WALES ON A MISSION TO AVENGE SAM’S RED

WALES were left nursing a deep sense of injustice when they crashed out in 2011 and the ‘bitterness’ is still a potent medicine as they fine-tune their preparations for this year’s World Cup.

In the aftermath of skipper Sam Warburton’s red card in the 9-8 semifinal defeat by France in New Zealand, defence coach Shaun Edwards described the outcome as a ‘travesty’.

Four years on, Edwards is still ruing Alain Rolland’s refereeing decision but — as Wales prepare to take on Italy in their final warm-up Test this afternoon — he feels his side are ready to set the record straight.

‘There is still a little bit of bitterness from the last World Cup,’ said Edwards. ‘Mr Rolland gave a decision against us. He did what he thought was the right thing, but I’ve noticed recently that he has gone to the video referee and given a yellow card. ‘He is one of the world’s best referees and we have won many a game he’s refereed. It was just a big decision against us and you don’t get many chances to get to a World Cup final, so there is still a bitter taste. Anybody who is competitive would like to get one step further.’

Since 2011, Warren Gatland’s key players — including Warburton, Toby Faletau and George North — have developed from Test rookies to global stars. Last weekend’s victory over Ireland began the process of momen- tum building and Edwards believes Wales can peak in time for their Pool A opener against Uruguay.

‘Warren has had a great record over the years of peaking his teams at the right time,’ said Edwards. ‘That’s not being boastful — it’s just a fact.

‘A World Cup-winning team need some special things. A winning experience helps and, if you look at that 2003 England team, they had a lot of battle-hardened players. Having been through tough times can make you that bit more determined.’

Fine-tuning the Welsh defence is Edwards’s priority. Without injured centre Jonathan Davies, strengthening the midfield is one of his biggest challenges. For the first time since 2013, Scott Williams and Cory Allen will start at 12 and 13 today — although Williams is tipped to play outside Jamie Roberts at No 13 during the World Cup.

‘What a 13 generally does is follow the triggers of the 12,’ said Edwards. ‘He has to see the guy on his side and either twist in or twist out with him. It’s a bit more running as a 13 so your fitness levels have to be excellent.

‘You look at two of the best outside centres in world rugby — England’s Jonathan Joseph and New Zealand’s Conrad Smith — and they are both incredibly fit players.’