Rees-Zammit wary of second-year syndrome
LOUIS Rees-Zammit was the breakthrough star of the last Six Nations as his four tries helped Wales to a shock title win. So, how is he going to top that? ‘It will be hard to beat, but I don’t want secondyear syndrome. I’ve probably got faster which always helps,’ Rees-Zammit said yesterday. That prospect should not only enthuse Wales fans, but all rugby supporters. Rees-Zammit is the sort of player who gets fans off their seats. ‘People will know more about me now and the way I play, but I have to try and do more,’ said Rees-Zammit. ‘I’m still the same person, I’ve just got a bit more experience.’ This time last year, he scored crucial tries in back-to-back wins over Ireland and Scotland. Only a last-gasp defeat in France denied Wayne Pivac’s side a Grand Slam. Rees-Zammit went on to become a British and Irish Lion for last summer’s tour of South Africa and will be a marked man this year. Shorn of eight injured Lions, Wales look like they will be in for a difficult Six Nations. Pivac has surprisingly opted to start try machine Josh Adams at centre in Dublin. Adams has 17 tries in 35 Tests for Wales on the wing but, with George North injured, Jonathan Davies out of form and struggling for fitness and Uilisi Halaholo hamstrung, he will start in midfield for the first time. Nick Tompkins will be his centre partner. Pivac has left out the experienced Davies, even though he is without so many senior figures. Rees-Zammit, who turned 21 on Wednesday, is in the back three alongside Liam Williams and Johnny McNicholl, with Wales aware they will need to rule the skies to have a chance of victory. Wind and rain is forecast for Dublin, with the aerial battle expected to be key.
Worryingly for Wales, such conditions should suit Ireland’s superior power game. Andy Farrell’s side claimed a famous victory over New Zealand last autumn and are deserving favourites to win this weekend. Wales haven’t won in Dublin since 2015 and Pivac admitted: ‘Ireland are very powerful and they had a very good autumn. We’ve everything to gain and nothing to lose.’