Morgan excited about confident Wales
Kevin Morgan today underlined Wales’ huge self-belief as they prepare to put their RBS 6 Nations title ambitions on the line.
Morgan and his team-mates head for Paris later today – weather permitting - and an eagerly-awaited showdown with unbeaten rivals France.
It will be Morgan’s 30th Test appearance but his first 6 Nations start for two years, and he is relishing the prospect.
“I have been part of squads who have struggled to win 6 Nations games, so to come into a team firing on all cylinders and with a really good feel about itself is fantastic,” he said.
“I don’t think I have ever been part of a squad that backs itself so much, and is as together as a side as we are.
“The squad is of such strength at the moment that if you don’t perform then you don’t get picked for the next game.”
Morgan’s career has discovered a new lease of life since he joined the Newport-Gwent Dragons – and while most of his caps were won from the full-back position, he now finds himself on Wales’ right wing.
“Injuries and getting back to form have played parts in reasons why I have not been picked,” said Morgan, who made his Wales debut in 1997.
“It has been frustrating – but it is nice to be back in the squad. I have managed to get off the bench a couple of times for Wales this season and I feel I am ready to step up to the mark.
“Playing on the wing for the Dragons has benefited me, because it has shown that I am a bit more versatile than maybe people thought I was.”
Wales have never won the 6 Nations Championship, and their last Five Nations title success came 11 years ago.
But expectation is growing in Wales after Mike Ruddock’s men saw off England for the first time in Cardiff since 1993, and then ran Italy ragged at Stadio Flaminio.
“At no time, within the camp, have we talked about winning championships, grand slams or triple crowns. We just have not done that,” said Ruddock.
“It is going to be a difficult challenge for us on Saturday, but the boys are up for it.
“We believe in our style of rugby. There is a great team spirit – and we have got the players, we believe, if they put their game together to do very well in Paris.
“We try not to talk about the pressure; we just try and talk about the game plan and the way we want to approach the game.
“This team has not played fully for 80 minutes, to its maximum potential yet - so while we are quietly confident that we can get a result in France, we know we need to improve our game.
“We need to start well and get hold of the game. If we can do that there is a bit of pressure on France.”
While Wales made a flying start to their 6 Nations campaign, France stuttered to wins against Scotland and England.
But Ruddock is under no illusions about what awaits his team at a sold-out Stade de France.
“France have made changes and brought in players they believe can fire the back line a bit,” he said.
“We believe this is the best selection we have seen so far from France in this season’s tournament – and if they play to their potential it will be a lot of hard work for us.
“But we are looking to go there, take the game to France and let them worry a little bit about us. I am encouraging the players to be bold.”
| Related Stories: |
|
