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'It's definitely a goal of mine to play in that World Cup. I'd love to get back in that squad'

By Jack Davies
Getty Images

Jamie Roberts believes it is too early for Wales to learn any Rugby World Cup lessons from their clash with Australia in Cardiff on Saturday.

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Wales and the Wallabies have been drawn in the same pool for the tournament in Japan next year, having also faced off in the first round in 2015.

Michael Cheika’s men kick off their tour of the northern hemisphere at the Principality Stadium this weekend but arrive on the back of a poor showing in the Rugby Championship, which they ended with two wins from six matches.

But centre Roberts, who has 94 caps to his name, believes coach Warren Gatland should not read too much into the Australia side that turns up this weekend.

“It’s a long way out. I don’t think you can look at the performances in November and make any indication of how teams will go at the World Cup,” he told Omnisport, speaking on behalf of Land Rover.

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“It always throws up a few surprises. Players get injured, others will come into form, teams will work out how exactly they want to play. There’s a lot of rugby to be played.

“Everything changes and it’s the teams who build a good strength in depth, have a real identity and work hard at what they want to achieve, who do well at World Cups.”

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Wales and Australia will be joined by Georgia, Fiji and Uruguay in Pool C for the tournament, which begins on September 20.

“One thing Australia do well is peak for World Cups. They’re a b***** good side,” added Roberts.

“It’s a hugely competitive group Wales have and there’s no doubt a lot of hard work is going into preparing that Welsh side ready for the World Cup.

“It’s always a fantastic occasion. Having played at the last two World Cups and making a semi-final and quarter-final, Wales have a great opportunity in Japan, there’s no doubt about that.

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“When I look at the Welsh squad and I look at what we’ve built over the last few years, the strength in depth we have in almost every position is encouraging and certainly stands us in good stead.

“But as far as Australia go, they’re a side who on their day can beat any side in the world, they’re hugely competitive and have a knack of peaking at every World Cup.”

Roberts is not part of the Wales squad for the November internationals, which started last weekend with a 21-10 victory over Scotland.

And while he concedes that forcing his way into contention for a World Cup place will be at the back of his mind this season, his primary concern is playing regularly for new club Bath.

“My main focus is to win games with Bath and be diligent as a professional every day, making sure I’m doing everything I can to become a better player,” he said.

“If that’s good enough to win me a starting spot with Bath, help me perform to the best of my abilities, impress and get me selected for Wales, then so be it.

“It’s definitely a long-term goal of mine to play in that World Cup. I’d love to get back in that squad.

“It’s the goal of most Welsh rugby players this season. I’m just one of those players chasing that dream.”

Jamie Roberts was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, the Official Vehicle Partner of Bath Rugby. @LandRoverRugby

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Trevor 48 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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