Jones pays tribute to talented Harris

Wales wing Mark Jones tonight paid tribute to the game-breaking qualities of Iestyn Harris, and declared: “He has always had the talent.”

Former rugby league star Harris produced a sparkling display when Wales launched their World Cup campaign by defeating Pool D opponents Canada 41-10 in Melbourne two days ago.

It was comfortably Harris’ finest performance in a Welsh jersey, and augured well for key challenges ahead against Tonga, Italy and New Zealand.

And his individual contribution was not lost on team-mates fully aware that they have a class act in their midst.

“Iestyn always exploits the smallest of chinks in the opposition’s armour,” said Jones.

“He’s always had the talent, and it was just a matter of when it was going to prosper. Thankfully for us, it has prospered in the opening of the World Cup.”

Wales have now returned to Canberra, where they are preparing for next Sunday’s encounter against Tonga.

But even though a tricky first hurdle has been comfortably cleared, there will be no complacency during preparations to face – on paper, at least – the group’s weakest side.

“Generally speaking, we were very, very nervous against Canada,” Jones added.

“We are a reasonably young squad, young in age and young in experience in some positions, and certainly when it comes to a World Cup, not many people in the team would have experienced something like this in their careers.

“A lot of us play with a couple of the Tongan players back home. They are very physical, they’re good athletes and they’ve got a lot of heart.

“We’re going to have to meet that desire like we did with the Canadians, and hopefully bring a bit of guile and skill into the game as well.”

Like Jones, Harris admits that nerves played a part during the Canadian encounter.

“Obviously, the World Cup is a special time and every player was excited going to the game, but we were a little bit nervous,” Harris said.

“We had two to three months to work on the Canada game, and we were desperate to get the win. It was a scrappy affair, but we got the five points that we wanted.

“When I came across (from rugby league), the World Cup was my ultimate target. Now, I am just thrilled to go to every game.”