Gareth Thomas Q&A: The injuries won’t affect Wales’ chances, we play better as underdogs
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ByEurosport
Published 25/09/2015 at 12:49 GMT
Ahead of the Pool A clash between England and Wales at Twickenham, Gareth Thomas answered your Twitter questions on the Rugby World Cup. Here’s the Q&A in full…
Gareth Thomas in action for Wales
Image credit: Reuters
What is your favourite RWC memory?
Gareth Thomas: Playing the opening match in Cardiff when we beat Argentina!
Is England v Wales effectively a knockout game or do you see both teams beating Australia?
GT: I don’ think it’s a knockout game as both are capable of beating Australia. So whoever loses would have another chance. But whichever side loses would be favourite to go out but it’s difficult to say as it will all come down to the Australia game.
What are your thoughts on the four wings and Sam Burgess’ inclusion?
GT: English wingers are more fleet-footed and in George North you have more of a battering ram. Hallam Amos is untried but interesting. All four are very much modern day wingers."
Amos is playing on merit ahead of Alex Cuthbert. I’m excited by the fact a young, talented prospect gets to play on the biggest stage.
I’m excited by Sam Burgess – he’s a great player. The most important thing is to see how he copes with the pressure. He’s a big-game player and the clash with Jamie Roberts adds another dimension to what will be an amazing game.
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Sam Burgess
Image credit: PA Sport
Do you think the demotion of George Ford shows a lack of confidence in the England ranks? What's your prediction for Saturday?
GT: No, I think that it shows the intent from England to match Wales physically. I think it takes a target away from them too. If Ford played they would send Jamie Roberts at him all day. Whereas Farrell is a more defensive player.
It’s not a risk. When we look at games we look at 80 minutes. On the training field, everyone is clued into exactly the way the team plays. It makes more of a difference how a team plays against them.
In terms of prediction I don’t know where to begin. It’s hard to answer and remove all the passion from it. Let’s just say England are favourites, purely because they're at home and because of the number of injuries we’ve had. Wales are underdogs.
Wales have always got a chance though because of the stability and core of that team. They’ve beaten them before at Twickenham as well.
With all the injuries in the Welsh camp have you got your boots ready?
GT: I don’t actually see the injuries affecting their chances because they are going into the game as underdogs and we play and respond much better when we are written off.
Should Lancaster lose his job if tomorrow's gamble doesn't pay off?
GT: Not a chance. No way. They have another opportunity if they don’t take the chance.
What he’s done for the England team has been amazing. If they don’t get out of the group, questions will be asked. But he’s still done enough not to lose his job.
And one from us at @Eurosport_uk:
You wrote about hating England when playing them but then said the whole story was not told. Can you expand?
GT: Yes, I can’t imagine people think I walk around hating English people. My partner is English. You compartmentalise passion. When the game is over you forget about it.
Which World Cup underdog should I be rooting for?
GT: I watched Japan but a realistic underdog to support would be Argentina. If you wanted someone outside of the favourites to get to the QFs and potentially win the tournament.
Are you worried that Fiji could cause Wales an upset, especially with the 4 day turnaround after tomorrow's match?
GT: Yes, I’ve been worried about them since the start of the tournament. They’ve come to take a scalp and having lost to England and Australia, Wales is now their WC final.
Who do you see being the breakout stars of this World Cup?
GT: From a Welsh perspective Hallam Amos. He’s a young kid given his first chance. I think Jonny May is a player with great potential too and will get better as the tournament goes on.
Finally, Finn Russell has a big part to play for Scotland. But Amos is the only real “unknown” for me.
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