Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde has warned his players not to get fixated on Wallaby skipper David Pocock ahead of Saturday’s vital second Test at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.
Pocock led the Australians to a 27-19 win in the first Test and ruled the roost at the breakdown to stop Wales recording a first win over a Tri Nations side away from home since 1987.
Caretaker coach Rob Howley called on his players to be more “streetwise” around the tackle area in the next two Tests and McBryde has been working hard on that phase of the game in training. But he has told his players that while removing the threat of Pocock is important, there are many other Wallaby threats to be aware of.
“We have to be a bit smarter in how we deal with someone like David Pocock, but if we focus too much attention on one individual we could be blindsided by another player,” said McBryde.
“Will Genia was a thorn in our side around the breakdown and we have to get our hands on him more than we did last week. The forwards have all had a picture of Genia put next to their beds so they will know who to look out for next time.
“We started poorly and didn’t get to grips with the pace of the game in the first Test. When the replacements came on – Matthew Rees, Alun Wyn Jones and Ryan Jones – they had a real impact and asked questions of the Australian’s defence.
“Maybe it was the traveling or lack of game time last week that contributed to our slow start, but there will be no excuses this Saturday. Everyone has had some game time on tour.”
McBryde was pleased to see Ospreys lock Ian Evans reunited with the squad after the game in Brisbane last weekend and he is in line to make a Test return. Having played in every minute of the Grand Slam campaign, when he ran the Welsh line-out, he is a key character.
“Ian Evans was ever-present throughout the 6 Nations and is in a very competitive position in the second row. The 40 minutes he had on Tuesday night were to try to get the travel out of him and to see if he is ready to return to the international stage,” added McBryde.
While Wallaby coach Robbie Deans announced an unchanged 22 for the second Test earlier in the week, Wales are due to announce their side at a press conference in Melbourne at 1pm on Thursday (4am UK Time).
