Tuesday, February 9, 2010 Previous editions
Saturday, November 21, 2009
WALES captain Ryan Jones wants a bold and ruthless approach from his team when they aim to rediscover their scoring touch against Argentina today.
Despite making a total of 17 line-breaks against New Zealand and Samoa during the past fortnight, Wales’ paltry reward for such adventure has been one try. It has though, proved the tale of Wales’ year.
Discounting the summer tour to North America and a four-try haul in their 2009 RBS 6 Nations opener away to Scotland, Wales have posted just five touchdowns in six Tests, and only two at home.
While Jones and company are braced for a fearsome physical challenge from Argentina’s revered pack, the skipper has no intention of being dragged into a dogfight.
"We really have to go for it when we have chances," said the Ospreys number eight, who wins his 34th cap tomorrow, but first against Argentina.
"It’s the 50-50s that win you Test matches, and we are not that far away. We are only half a yard away with that pass, or whatever.
"We are doing all the hard work, but not getting the rewards for what we are doing.
"We have to take ownership, as individuals, of the errors we have made. As a team, we have to be more positive, put our necks on the line."
Jones’ rallying call comes ahead of a tricky assignment for Wales, who have lost four of their last six Tests against the Pumas and currently find themselves one place below Argentina in the official world rankings.
And the South Americans are no strangers to success in Cardiff either, having recorded a 30-16 Millennium Stadium success eight years ago when rugby league imports Iestyn Harris and Anthony Sullivan made their Wales debuts.
After losing to the All Blacks and then edging out Samoa 17-13, Wales know they must go up a gear, especially with in-form Australia looming tomorrow week.
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