Louis gets off to a flier at full back in vital win

WALES 20 ARGENTINA 13

The Wales football team roll out of the Vale Resort near Cardiff tomorrow. Destination: Qatar. Among those due to wave them off towards a first World Cup since 1958? Wayne Pivac’s rugby squad, who train next door. ‘hopefully, they will bring it back!’ Taulupe Faletau said.

These are heady days for Welsh football but around the rugby team, not quite the same excitement and energy. Victory over Argentina did at least provide a shot in the arm. After last week’s demolition by New Zealand, this was a crucial win, only a third for Wales in 2022. Faletau and Tomos Williams scored the tries and captain Justin Tipuric led a fine defensive effort. And Louis Rees-Zammit, 21, enjoyed a promising first international start at full-back.

‘I enjoyed it,’ he said. ‘When the opportunity does come to counter, my eyes light up.’ Liam Williams and Leigh halfpenny have dominated the No 15 jersey for years. With both injured, Rees-Zammit’s pace and abandon offers another option. ‘All week Leigh and I were on the computer, doing lots of analysis,’ Rees-Zammit (above) said. ‘It was only my second time playing there.’ And it paid off in this ‘ping-pong’ game with Argentina. Georgia and Australia will pose different problems. But not much fazes the Gloucester wing.

‘We were short of full-backs so I said I would play there if needed,’ he said. ‘I back myself.’ From 15, he made more metres (75) than any other Welsh player. But man of the match went to No 8 Faletau, who celebrated turning 32 by scoring Wales’ first try. ‘he’s an old man now, isn’t he?’ joked Tipuric, who embodied their spirit.

What a blessing for Pivac to have such experience and leadership. An injury to Dan Lydiate gave Jac Morgan an opportunity to shine at flanker. Wales will learn the damage to Lydiate’s arm and Will Rowlands’ shoulder today as they look to build on this win.