Ball makes a big impact after year of frustration
Wales lock Jake Ball wanted to put down a marker on his Test match return after 12 months away from international rugby.
Ball played a key role as Wales crushed Tonga 74-24 at the Principality Stadium – their highest points total since scoring 81 against Namibia during the 2011 World cup in new zealand.
And it had special resonance for Ball, whose last international appearance was against the All Blacks a year ago. A dislocated shoulder suffered during that game ended his 2017-18 season, but he has patiently and resiliently fought his way back.
“I had to wait for my opportunity, but it was awesome to be back in that shirt,” Ball said. “It has been a frustrating 12 months for me. It is hard to explain my feelings before the game. Certainly, having to watch games and not be involved was a big driving factor. It was about me try-
ing to put down a marker. Sometimes when you are not about for a year, you get a little bit forgotten about.”
Wales scored ten tries – two for wing Liam Williams on his 50th appearance, plus touchdowns by Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Aled Davies, Cory Hill, Tyler Morgan, Tomos Willams and Steff Evans, in addition to a penalty try.
Biggar finished with 19 points and Patchell 13 as Wales rocketed through the gears with a rampant second-half display.
Three Tonga tries wiped out a healthy early Wales lead, but the home side scored 50 unanswered points during the final 34 minutes to record an eighth successive victory – their best run since 2004-05 – ahead of next Saturday’s autumn finale against South Africa.