Evans blames League for Wales’ Cup flop

WALES lock Ian Evans believes the Magners League is hampering Welsh rugby and he has demanded a wholesale change in attitude towards the competition.

Wales and Ireland have both crashed out of the World Cup before the quarter-finals and Evans is convinced the lack of intensity in the Celtic competition is a major factor.

The Wales players have been invited to contribute to a wide-ranging review into the World Cup failure and the structure of elite rugby.

Evans is unlikely to pull any punches. “If you look at the southern hemisphere countries, the way they structure their game means they are playing big and tough matches week in and week out,” said the Ospreys second row.

“We need consistent high performance games. It is no use us just going back to the Celtic League and playing against mediocre teams.

“If people don’t put their best sides out every week, we are not going to get better as a nation. We have to keep our intensity levels up.”

The Irish often field weakened teams in the Magners League, particularly if national coach Eddie O’Sullivan requests specific players be rested.

The four Wales regions are trying to fight on three fronts, with the money-spinning EDF Energy Cup an additional commitment on top of Europe and the league.

In contrast, leading internationals from the southern hemisphere will play a maximum of 15 Super 14 matches for their province and around 10 Tests a year.

Evans’ thoughts echoed those of senior player Martyn Williams, who said after Wales’ recent defeat to Australia that northern hemisphere nations are way behind in terms of intensity.

“That was probably the most intense game I have ever played in,” he said.

“Australia are used to playing at that intensity every Tri-Nations game, every Super 14 game, right from the off.

“That is the difference. We have not just seen it in this game, we have seen it in every game.

There is a difference in intensity. It is the mentality.”

The quality of rugby played by the four Welsh regions and how well it prepares them for the Test environment will be a key element of the Welsh Rugby Union’s review into the game.

“We have got to be totally focused that we don’t find ourselves in this position again,” said WRU chief executive Roger Lewis.

“We have got to be totally focused on ensuring we deliver what everyone wants in Wales and for Welsh rugby.

“Rugby defines us as a nation and unites us as a nation. We have to focus together on making this work. All of Welsh rugby needs to look at itself and ask itself the tough questions.

“It needs to think ‘what are the right systems and structures that we need to have in place so we can compete at the highest level?”’

Returning home early was a tough experience for all the players. Tom Shanklin revealed he has still not left his house. He vowed to stand up to the criticism that will inevitably hit the squad and return a stronger character and better player for it.

“When I go home and I am walking down the street, it is easy for people to shout at me and give me abuse. Believe me they do,” he said.

“But when you stand up and put that red jersey on, that’s the hardest task.

“It is easy to abuse someone and criticise them but it takes a bigger man to take all the criticism.

“I am young and strong enough to bounce back from this. I am only 22 so hopefully I’ve got another 10 years in me.

“This experience will definitely stand us in good stead down the line.”