#360view: Defeating England was epic but Wales must move on

Matt Jones - Editor 06:05 01/10/2015
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  • Key man: Faletau.

    Wales’ stunning Twickenham triumph over England should go down as the Dragons’ greatest ever victory on foreign soil. It is perhaps one of their greatest ever.

    It’s arguably right up there with the most famous of Welsh wins; 1999’s 32-31 Five Nations triumph against England at Wembley, immortalised by Scott Gibbs’ jinking run to the line and Neil Jenkins’ nerveless conversion; the historic 29-19 win, a first ever, against South Africa later that same year and the 13-8 defeat of the mighty All Blacks in 1953.

    In the back-yard of their most bitter rivals, on the grandest stage of all at the Rugby World Cup and with a myriad of injuries both before and during the contest that defied belief and left them completely written off, Wales achieved the virtually impossible.

    But now they must back it up by emerging from the Group of Death – arguably an even more gargantuan task.

    As commendable as victory was, do Wales really want to be known for following that up with a limp defeat to Fiji? If they fail from here last weekend’s win will be rendered largely redundant. What should serve them well today is how, at the opposite end of the spectrum to Saturday’s 28-25 victory, the Pacific Islanders encapsulate one of Welsh rugby’s lowest ebbs.

    Four of the current squad played in the 38-34 defeat in Nantes eight years ago that saw Gareth Jenkins’ men defeated in their final group game and dumped out of the 2007 World Cup.

    Those painful memories will still surely be fresh in the minds of the quartet of Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins and James Hook, all of them having played the full 80 minutes that day, as well as scrum-half Mike Phillips who came on as a replacement.

    Even their horrendously long list of injuries is no excuse and despite adding the influential Scott Williams and Hallam Amos to the casualty list, it’s encouraging to see Warren Gatland selecting a strong side for Fiji’s visit to the Millennium Stadium.

    The game is sure to be a bruising encounter against the physical Fijians and Wales’ medical team must be dreading another busy day at the office.

    Williams and Amos are gone but full-back Liam Williams remains in the 31-man squad, although he is left out of the match-day squad and is adhering to concussion protocols following his withdrawal against England.

    With that in mind the stage is set for the electric Matthew Morgan to shine. The diminutive Bristol back has been likened to Shane Williams, with forwards coach Robin McBryde saying he possesses the same sort of magic, while Newport Gwent Dragons centre Tyler Morgan has been described as “explosive” by the man who will partner him in midfield, Jamie Roberts.

    Winger Alex Cuthbert also has a point to prove following a woeful spell of form but there is no denying his talent, 15 tries in 37 Tests speaks volumes for his quality.

    It’s also another chance for Dan Biggar to stamp his authority on this Wales team and the World Cup. The Ospreys fly-half was perfect from the tee last week, and the rest of the tournament is a tremendous opportunity for him to fully emerge from Leigh Halfpenny’s shadow and show just what a talent he is in his own right.

    Biggar is not short on confidence and a deep run for Wales in the tournament from this point rests at his feet.

    Whereas those outside the camp see yet another player going down as another reason to count Wales out, injuries seem to have galvanized this squad.

    Let’s not forget also that aside from the cacophony of absentees in the back line, Wales still look tremendously strong up front, Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Jones and Jenkins their bedrock.

    Belief will course through this squad with a third straight win and set up a mouth-watering winner takes all Pool A decider against Australia in nine days’ time.

    Victory against the old enemy might well be enough for some Welsh fans but it will count for nothing if they don’t press on and make it into the knockout stages.

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