Adam Ashley-Cooper calls Wales’ Jamie Roberts the player of 2011 Rugby World Cup
Australian international Rugby Union team’s utility back, Adam Ashley-Cooper, has termed Wales talented backs players, Jamie Roberts, as the player of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) tournament.
Wales has announced their match day squad on Tuesday, October 18 and Roberts will start the match from the centre position in their last match of the 2011 RWC.
Ashley-Cooper has praised Roberts’ personality attribute and game skills on Tuesday. He said, “Personally, I think Jamie Roberts has been player of the tournament, He has had a fantastic campaign. He's a great player, and it is going to take a lot of us
to stop him.”
Both Wales and Australia will lock horns with each other for the Bronze medal on Friday, October 21 at Eden Park, Auckland. Wales were defeated by the French while All Blacks defeated the 2011 Tri Nations champions, Wallabies, in their semifinal encounters
last weekend.
Ashley-Cooper has termed Friday’s match-up as an important game for both sides. He added that following their semi-final defeats, both teams will be eager to finish the tournament on a high note by claiming third place in the Rugby Union’s premier tournament.
Ashley-Cooper has praised Wales performance in the tournament. He expects a stiff challenge in their upcoming encounter and added, “They are a great team, they are a young team like us and I am sure they've got exciting things ahead.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ashley-Cooper apologised to his fans for their 20 - 6 semifinal defeat which they suffered at the hands of All Blacks. He added that the most disappointing thing from last weekend’s loss was the fact that the Wallabies let their
fans and country down. He thanked the supporters for their encouragement during the tournament.
Ashley-Cooper further added, “Obviously, we suffered a pretty significant loss on the weekend and everyone was very upset by it and everyone took it personally. We've got an opportunity to turn things around, and we really want to win this game.”
Wallabies are yet to announce their match-day squad for their Bronze Medal play off match. Wales on the other side has named their most experienced match day 22 squad for the clash.
However, Wales will be without the services of their first choice flanker and captain, Sam Warburton, who is currently serving a suspension for his tackle, which he made in their last weekend’s encounter against France.
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