Fly-half Dan Biggar is the only player who started the Six Nations decider against England in March to have travelled to the Far East, with Wales providing 15 of the Lions squad. But while the two-Test trip is being regarded as a development tour, defence coach Edwards insists Wales must live up to their billing as European champions.
Edwards said: “This is probably the most inexperienced Test squad Wales have ever put together, so we have to be realistic with our expectations.
“It is the first time these guys have played together and the first time we have worked with many of them, so we can’t expect them to play the way the team did against England or have the understanding of lads who we’ve coached for three or four years. But we are still here to win. We are the double European champions after winning the Six Nations for the last two years, so we have a proud record and reputation to uphold.
“Japan have a had a few games together, which is always preferable, and the divide in world rugby is not like it was years ago, so we know we have our hands full.â€
Exeter Chiefs prop Craig Mitchell has been ruled out of the first Test at the Kintetsu Hanazono Stadium with an ankle injury, so Cardiff Blues tighthead Scott Andrews is expected to start.
James King won"t get hot under the collar for Wales
No comments:
Post a Comment