Wales up and running as they sweep past Georgia, but can they win against the Wallabies?
ITV Wales Correspondent Richard Morgan reports from Japan on the challenge ahead for Wales following their bonus point victory against Georgia in their opening match of the Rugby World Cup.
So, job done. Mission accomplished. Onwards and upwards. Take your pick of the above, and add a dose of ‘there’s still work to do’, and you’ll have summed up the mood as Wales pack their bags and point the wagon wheels west for the Japanese capital.
Nearly a week after the news first broke, Rob Howley’s return to Wales to face accusations of breaking World Rugby betting rules now seem a distant nightmare. Who knows, even Howley himself may have smiled as his players unleashed an impressive attacking performance against Georgia, scoring six tries.
That bonus point, 43-14 win, puts them above Australia on points difference in Pool D. Cory Hill’s return to Wales notwithstanding, there are no serious injury problems. And Warren Gatland’s men have, at last, shown an attacking ability to go with their trademark defence.
As Alun Wyn Jones observed afterwards, there are things to work on.
This was by no means an 80 minute performance, and Wales did concede 14 points.
Against the far more potent Wallaby attack, they’ll have to be much sharper. And the Australian back row duo of David Pocock and Michael Hooper will have watched with interest as Georgia managed to turn over their opponents at the breakdown.
Speaking afterwards, former Wales centre Jamie Roberts predicted a ‘one score game’ in Tokyo, and recent history would suggest he’s right, with most encounters between the sides being decided by fewer than 10 points.
Thankfully, it was Wales who prevailed last time, a result which should give them confidence they can succeed again.
Whatever happens, the fans will surely enjoy themselves. Toyota was the first time we’d come across them in numbers, and it was good to see them mingling with the local supporters and enjoying the Japanese culture.
The sight of samurai swordsmen performing to a soundtrack of ‘Delilah’ in Toyota’s main street was a memorable moment.
So now it’s off on the bullet train back to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the world’s largest city.
What better place for a titanic tussle on the field, and one which could define Wales’ campaign?