Wales to cash in on narrow escape

Captain Colin Charvis last night vowed that Wales would take full advantage of their narrow escape against Tonga to be ready for next weekend’s crunch Pool D showdown with Italy next weekend.

The match is shaping to be the contest that will decide which of the two sides joins expected group winners New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

That scenario will be confirmed tomorrow if the Italians succeed in beating Canada.

Thrilling as the prospect of a winner-takes-all contest sounds, the loyal and long-suffering Welsh supporters will struggle to find much optimism from their side’s unconvincing 27-20 win against Tonga.

Charvis conceded there was a lot of work still to be done but insisted come next Saturday, the Welsh will be ready.

“Yes, the public anticipated a stronger win from us and unfortunately that didn’t materialise,” he said.

“The guys are just grateful we got the points on the board. Rather than have a scare later on in the tournament, better to have that hiccup now and learn from it.

“I am sure this week we will iron quite a few things out. The immediate one is probably going to be the work-rate of our defensive line.”

Tonga ran in three tries to Wales’ two and were denied on two other occasions down the flanks by an unfortunate bounce of the ball.

After prop Heami Lavaka had brought Tonga to within seven points just two minutes from time, Wales had to withstand a barrage of attacks to see out the victory.

They conceded a raft of late penalties, but with Tonga desperate for a fourth try and needing to keep the ball alive, Wales survived.

“It was a case of backs to the wall,” said Charvis.

“The Tongans knew they had to win if they hoped to continue in the competition. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

“We will probably play a little bit more of an intelligent game against Italy and use a bit more guile than we did.

“Italy have got a good scrum so if we can work hard this week on that, hopefully we will gain some parity there and build on our set pieces.”

While Wales escaped to look forward to the Italy game chasing a third win that would be enough to book second place, even if an expected defeat to New Zealand was to follow, Tonga’s dreams are over.

Not mathematically, perhaps, but the permutations are unrealistic and include beating New Zealand and earning a try bonus in the process.

It is unlikely and left coach Jim Love rueing his side’s performance and defeat in their first game against Italy.

“I think the quarter-final dream has gone, but right from the start it has always been about credibility for Tongan rugby,” he said.

“The pressure is off the players now and they can go into the All Blacks game with some confidence that we can perform well against one of the best teams in the world.”