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Tipuric ready for Samoa test

Tipuric ready for Samoa test

Justin Tipuric knows Wales face a huge physical test when they take on Samoa at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow night.

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The Ospreys back row forward starts the clash against the South Sea Islanders ahead of squad captain Sam Warburton and is determined to play a part in a Welsh win.

Wales produced what the squad admits was a disappointing performance last weekend as they slipped to a 26-12 defeat to Argentina.

And Tipuric, who starts in a changed back row alongside captain Ryan Jones and Toby Faletau, knows an improved performance is essential.

“Training’s been tough and we’ve got straight back onto the paddock to sort things out,” he said.

“We want to make up for last weekend and put a performance in.”

Tipuric comes into the side for the clash with Samoa with Warburton set to make an impact from the bench.

“Sam’s a quality player and it’s hard to try and win that jersey but I just try and do my job for the team,” added the seven times capped openside.

“Rugby is a team sport and it’s more about the 15 men on the team than any one individual.”

Tipuric’s selection highlights the strength in depth available to Wales in that position. Despite injuries to the likes of Dan Lydiate and more recently Josh Turnbull, Rob Howley is still able to field a hugely powerful back row.

The Ospreys man has ruled out a move across the scrum though.

“You see the size of number sixes these days and it’s a totally different role,” added Tipuric.

“I just try and concentrate on what I do, at the end of the day you just want to play rugby.”

Wales’ last meeting with Samoa was a hugely physical encounter with a Shane Williams try the difference in a 17-10 win.

“We watched the film from the World Cup and we’ll take a lot of positives out of that,” added Tipuric.

“There’s two Samoans at the Ospreys and Kahn Fotuali’I is playing against us this weekend so we know how good and how physical they are.

“We’re just going game by game.”

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