'If we don't win our next three, I will be unbelievably disappointed'
Shaun Edwards says he will be “unbelievably disappointed” if Wales do not win their next three games and secure a World Cup semi-final place.
Wales will book a last-eight spot by beating Fiji in Oita next Wednesday.
Uruguay are then their final group opponents four days later, with the Six Nations champions red-hot favourites to finish top of Pool D.
France or Argentina are potential quarter-final opponents if they progress, while a semi-final appearance would equal best World Cup performances of 1987 and 2011.
After defeating Australia and Georgia to take charge of their pool, Wales are already being backed by many pundits as semi-finalists – at least.
“We have been in the semi-final once, as a coaching group,” Wales defence specialist Edwards said.
“I think the two games we’ve just won, if we don’t win our next three, I will be unbelievably disappointed.
“Obviously, if you do win your next three, you are in the semi-finals and back to where we were in 2011.
“After the Australia game, and we knew we had a break (in Otsu), it was about rest, switching off and trying to even forget about rugby a little bit to recharge the batteries.
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“We are in Test week now, we are fully focused on Fiji, and we saw a team last night that is a huge threat.
“We are excited about playing a Test match first and foremost, and obviously the fact it is a World Cup and we could top our group makes it even more special.”
Wales, though, know from experience just how dangerous Fiji can be, losing a 2007 World Cup pool game to them in Nantes that meant they were dumped out of the tournament.
With most teams running similar versions of each others’ schemes during phase play, it has never been easier to identify a phase in advance. @bensmithrugby https://t.co/YMbS1L0Mjo #RWC2019
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They gained World Cup revenge for that defeat four years ago, yet Fiji’s second-half destruction of Georgia on Thursday showcased a team packed with blistering try-scoring talent.
“They are definitely one of the teams who you don’t want to break structure too much,” Edwards added.
“I am hoping we put in an 80-minute strong defensive performance.
“I was pleased with huge aspects of the game against Australia – we were under huge amounts of pressure in the second-half – but we have not put an 80-minute performance in yet at the World Cup.
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“There are a lot of tactical things we will try to do. We won’t change our defensive system much. We want to cut time down for opposition nines and 10s.
“We will look to tackle in twos as much as possible, and then if they get their hands free you have to squeeze in around those off-loads and trail the support runners.
“We are under no illusions about what they will bring. They are very well-coached and organised, and have that X-factor.
“They are definitely one of the best sides in the world at sevens, so that will cross over.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Brilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
8 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
8 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to comments