Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Rugby World Cup 2023: Wales want to avoid 'rabbit hole' of permutations - Thomas

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Wednesday, 20 September 2023 06:03

Assistant coach Jonathan Thomas says it is an old cliche, but that Wales are focused on themselves as they prepare to take on Australia in Lyon on Sunday.

Victory would guarantee Wales a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

In contrast, defeat for the Wallabies could see them on the brink of a group stage exit for the first time.

"When you start thinking about permutations or selection of the opposition, this and that, you go down a rabbit hole," said Thomas.

"Confidence, for me, comes from the work you do in the week, so we need to prepare well this week."

Wales currently top Pool C after bonus-point wins over Fiji and Portugal, while Australia have six points after a bonus-point win over Georgia and a losing bonus point in their historic defeat by Fiji.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones took full-blame for his side's performance and said Sunday's match in Lyon is do or die.

As well as their slump in form, Australia face the prospect of being without key players such as lock and captain Will Skelton, prop Taniela Tupou and hooker Jordan Uelese through injury.

Their youngest squad member Max Jorgensen has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament after breaking his fibula in training on Wednesday.

But Thomas says this changes nothing from a Wales point of view.

"We respect Australia as a rugby nation, they are a wounded animal, they can be dangerous," he said.

"I think, for us, we're very clear that we want to go and win the game, we need to train appropriately and we need to go out and do the job and focus on ourselves."

Thomas added that all members of the squad, with the exception of back row Tommy Reffell, are available for selection with the team announced on Friday, after initially being scheduled for Thursday.

Reffell was a late withdrawal before the Portugal game with a tight calf.

"Tommy is being assessed every day, that's probably the only one that we'll weigh up. Everyone else has a clean bill of health," said Thomas.

Reffell, co-captain Jac Morgan, prop Nicky Smith and full-back Leigh Halfpenny also did not take a part in the first part of the team training session on Wednesday evening.

Wales XV to face Australia in Lyon

Pick your starting XV for Wales' third Rugby World Cup 2023 pool game

Read 53 times

Soccer

Man City's Foden named PL Player of the Season

Man City's Foden named PL Player of the Season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPhil Foden has been named the Premier League's Player of the Season...

Klopp: Liverpool ready for exciting new direction

Klopp: Liverpool ready for exciting new direction

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJürgen Klopp has said Liverpool will move in an "exciting direction...

Madueke backs Lavia to take Chelsea to next level

Madueke backs Lavia to take Chelsea to next level

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNoni Madueke believes Chelsea are starting to "take shape" under Ma...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Pacers spurred by fiery Carlisle, roll into Game 7

Pacers spurred by fiery Carlisle, roll into Game 7

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- When the Indiana Pacers fell behind 2-0 in their se...

Sources: Porzingis likely out for start of East finals

Sources: Porzingis likely out for start of East finals

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBoston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to remain side...

Baseball

Twins frustrated by plate ump, rare rule violation

Twins frustrated by plate ump, rare rule violation

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Following a one-run loss, Minnesota manager Rocco Bald...

'This fan base is going to fall in love with him': How Luis Arráez is following in Tony Gwynn's footsteps

'This fan base is going to fall in love with him': How Luis Arráez is following in Tony Gwynn's footsteps

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsComparisons to Tony Gwynn began to follow Luis Arráez when he first...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated