Warren Gatland’s side travel south from Sydney looking for a response having suffered a 25-16 defeat last weekend, a result that drops Wales to their lowest ebb of 11th in the current World rankings – the first time they have fallen outside of the top ten since the ranking system was formulated in 2003.
Wales’ inexperienced side move on however, from the Allianz Stadium with their spirit undiminished and the general consensus on social media, despite areas of grumblings is that improvements are being made, and that New Zealander Gatland needs time to develop the latest crop of youngsters at his disposal.
The clock though is ticking for the Kiwi and with eight successive international defeats, something Wales have not suffered since the barren period between 2012 and 2013, pressure is on the 60-year-old to change his side’s fortunes.
Unforced errors would be Wales’ achilleas heel against the Wallabies with 28 turnovers conceded. Wales would also struggle at the set-piece and the physicality of the Aussie scrum. All key factors that would provide the platform for positional dominance for the hosts who would outscore Wales three tries to one.
The likes of the powerful front-row Taniela Tupou and wily nuance of veteran James Slipper would be the main instigators of disruption, marshaling a well-drilled Aussie pack, whilst Wales’ malfunctioning lineout with less than 70% of ball won, would be detrimental, and often disrupt rare moments of attacking intent.
There would though be positives with added steel to a previous faltering Welsh defence. After a slow start, rookie Bath tight-head prop Archie Griffin would come into his own and enjoy an outstanding first start for the nation making 26 tackles, whilst returning Exeter back-rows Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza would not be far behind on the ratio as Wales would show a competitive edge.
It would be the error count though that would let Gatland’s side down, but despite the failures in the last game, Watkin feels this weekend lessons can be learned, and improvements made to give Wales a chance to end their barren 55-year winless run down under.
“As a squad, we are massively disappointed with the result,” said Watkin.
“We went into the game fully believing we could win and left a lot of opportunities out there.
“We had put ourselves in a position to win the game and our discipline let us down.
“We weren’t happy with the penalty count and error count as a team. We have been trying to put it right in training in preparation for Saturday.
“It’s non-negotiable really this weekend. We need to win.
“We need to make more of the chances created but we’re getting there. We have to keep going, we are building for something.
“There is a massive positive vibe as a squad though and we are determined to go to go out there and hopefully we can get the right result.”
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
