Rob Howley expects a better performance – Rugby News Update
Rob Howley, the interim coach of Wales in place of Warren Gatland, wants his team to show a better performance than they did in the first-test against Australia, when they play the Brumbies during the week.
After the 27 – 19 defeat to Australia, Howley spoke about the missed chances. The interim coach believes that if Wales had taken their chances, they would have prevailed in the match. Wales had pegged back the Wallabies within a point by the 62nd
minute but the home team secured the tie through a try and conversion.
However, Wales has a chance to make amends against the Brumbies, who are in top form in Super Rugby, under the stewardship of former Springboks coach Jack White. Wales does not have a good record against the team either, having lost to them twice and by
60-odd points, in 1996.
Howley spoke about the challenge ahead and said, "They had a pretty potent back line in 1996 and beat us with 60-odd points. This season they have been a surprise package in the Super 15," and further added, "They kick a lot and go to the air a lot, so our
back three will have to work hard. But this is an opportunity for these players to play in the national jersey and push their claims for Test places."
One aspect that Howley wants his team to improve on is to get street smart. He means that they should play to the strength of the referee, and work on the contact area to gain advantage during the game.
Speaking about the injuries he said, "They are minor injuries. We are hoping George might train on Monday afternoon and Scott on Thursday after a rest day on Wednesday."
Toby Faletau is heading home after being injured during the first-test and in his place Gareth Delve has been called into the squad. George North has a dead leg, while Scott Williams who has facial injuries will be fit for the test match on the weekend.
Howley is not taking the game against the Brumbies lightly, and considers midweek games as a measure of the team’s attitude.
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