Defeat was motivation, says Moriarty
ROSS MORIARTY admitted the pressure had been on Wales to deliver a performance and result after they rediscovered the winning habit by beating Argentina. Wales’ first victory for eight months — against the Pumas in Cardiff — lifted some of the gloom that descended following Australia’s Principality Stadium stroll seven days earlier. The Wallabies’ 32-8 demolition left Wales reeling from their heaviest home defeat since New Zealand put 45 points on them ten years ago. So, a response was required, and a team showing six changes duly delivered, putting Wales back on track as they build towards remaining autumn appointments with Japan and South Africa. ‘Obviously, it was a tough week (after Australia),’ Wales No8 Moriarty said. ‘It was a good reaction against Argentina. ‘We looked at their forwards during the week. They have had a lot of experience in the Rugby Championship. ‘We targeted that, and I felt we dealt with their ballcarriers well. It shows the difference when you front up, stop them in their tracks.’ Hooker Ken Owens, who went off after taking a heavy hit in the ribs and to his hip, added: ‘We stopped Argentina’s off-loading game by winning a lot of the collisions, and we dominated possession and territory, especially at the end of the first half, and put them under pressure. ‘There was a bit of white- line fever at times, we didn’t execute as well as we would have liked in that area. ‘The top teams in the southern hemisphere convert those chances and we still have to work on that part of our game.’ Centre Scott Williams said: ‘There was a lot of talk in the week about how good Argentina were. ‘I thought we came out, fronted up and are happy to come away with the win. ‘We were a lot better in defence. We knew Argentina would come here and look to throw the ball around, and I thought our forwards stepped up well. ‘Argentina are a good side. There was pressure on us after last week, and we will take a lot from the game.’ Meanwhile, Joe Schmidt has challenged Ireland to withstand a backlash from a New Zealand side seeking revenge in Dublin on Saturday. Head coach Schmidt has admitted Ireland caught New Zealand at an ‘opportune time’ for their maiden victory over the All Blacks, the 40-29 win in Chicago on November 5. ‘I think they’ll come fullstrength, fully loaded; maybe we surprised them in Chicago,’ said Schmidt.