Morgan Knowles hoping Wales can finish with a flourish

Wales will be out to salvage some pride when they wrap up their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Perth on Sunday.

John Kear's men have conceded 122 points in their first two matches and back-row forward Morgan Knowles, one of Wales' shining lights, admits the players have been embarrassed by the results so far.

Knowles scored Wales' only try and was their man of the match in the 72-6 loss to Fiji.

Knowles, who was short-listed for Super League's young player of the year in 2017, has taken his club form into the World Cup and impressed Fiji stand-off Jarryd Hayne enough for him to seek him out after the game to swap shirts.

Kear believes a host of NRL clubs would have been clamouring to sign Knowles, who celebrated his 21st birthday the day after the Fiji game, had he not just extended his contract with his club.

Meanwhile, Wales vice-captain Elliot Kear is confident his side can match Ireland up front after being out-muscled in both their previous games.

Wales have been given permission to make a late change to their 19-man squad, bringing in Australia-based half-back Josh Ralph for what would be his debut after losing Matt Seamark and Danny Ansell to injury and illness.