News

Powell to raise his game for Wallabies

November 25 2008

Wales number eight Andy Powell has vowed to hit back against Australia after having, in his view, a quiet game against New Zealand at the weekend.

Powell was winning just his third cap on Saturday and, with his fourth just around the corner, has promised a return to the form he displayed in the narrow defeat against South Africa.

The All Blacks back row managed to contain Powell, limiting his impact as an all-action ball-carrier, and thus his efforts largely went without reward.

And Powell admits he has to hit the heights of his performance against the Springboks when he runs out to face the Wallabies on Saturday.

"I am disappointed with my own performance on the weekend," Powell told The Western Mail.

"I set a high standard for the South Africa game and I didn't come up with the goods on Saturday. I didn't carry the ball enough or get my hands on the ball enough.

"If you aren't annoyed after a game you have lost, you shouldn't be here. Everybody is gutted with their performance, but this is Test rugby.

"The fact that I played badly on the weekend is going to drive me forward for the game on the weekend. I am determined to get more involved."

Coming into November coach Warren Gatland targeted at least one big scalp, and with South Africa and New Zealand leaving the Millennium Stadium with victories, Australia represent Wales' last chance of achieving that goal.

Powell is adamant that Wales cannot contemplate defeat to the Wallabies.

"It is a must-win game for us," said Powell.

"We aren't that far away and we cannot wait for the game.

"They are a world-class side and can beat anybody on their day. We are confident we can beat them, but it's going to be a tough game."

In Wales' last five games with Australia they have emerged with a victory, a draw and three defeats, including at the Millennium Stadium in last year's World Cup.

That said the Wallabies, with Robbie Deans in charge, are seen as the most improved side in Test rugby over the last six months.

With wins over Italy, England and France thus far they will fancy their chances of making it four from four, although Powell has other ideas.

"We have to play eighty minutes of rugby," said Powell.

"We played forty minutes in the second half against South Africa and we played a good first forty against New Zealand.

"Now we have to do it for the full eighty minutes. If we do that we will win."

If Wales, and Powell, are to make an impact against Australia they will need to ensure they match the Wallaby forwards, who are, despite recent criticism, a lot tougher than they look.

"I think it's a myth," said Powell.

"I have watched them over the last few weeks and their pack is the best one in Test rugby at the moment.

"I think their scrummaging has been superb. We have a good scrum but this will be a true test for us."