Jump to main content
Wales urged to keep momentum going

Wales urged to keep momentum going

Robin McBryde has urged Wales to keep vital momentum going in their Under Armour Series clash with Tonga on Saturday.

Share this page:

Wales are on a seven game-winning run having just beaten Australia for the first time since 2008.

Head coach Warren Gatland is set to utilise his full squad for Saturday’s Test match with the Pacific Islanders at Principality Stadium and McBryde has urged those involved to grab the opportunity with both hands.

“Everybody who puts the red shirt on during this autumn campaign leading must realise they have to grab this opportunity with both hands,” said the Wales forwards coach. 

“With the nature of the competitiveness of this squad, the players know they have to take their opportunity. We took a lot of heart from making 10 changes for Italy in the Six Nations and getting a good victory.

“This autumn is a little bit different because we are two from two. We have got quite a bit of momentum from the Australia game and it is vitally important we keep that going through to South Africa next week.”

McBryde has recent experience of facing Saturday’s opponents having coached Wales to a 24-6 victory over the Tongans in 2017 at Eden Park in Auckland.

And he has warned his players they are in for a stern examination at Principality Stadium this weekend.

“The 2017 game was played in terrible conditions so it’s going to be a little bit different with regards to having the roof closed. It will probably make Tonga more of a threat than they were in Auckland,” McBryde added. 

“We are aware of that. They are big men and I think their set-piece has improved over the years.

“They are not just renowned for their line speed and one-up hitters both in attack and defence. I think the nature and size of their men at the set-piece means we can’t take them too lightly.

“It’s going to be a tough test, but a good test for us again on Saturday.”
 
For tickets to this Saturday’s match against Tonga at Principality Stadium, click here.

Partners and Suppliers

Principal Partners
Principality
Admiral
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Vodafone
Go.Compare
Official Broadcast Partners
S4C
BBC Cymru/Wales
Official Partners
Guinness
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Heineken
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Official Suppliers
Gilbert
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Rhino Rugby
Sportseen
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Princes Gate
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Amber
Opro
Total Energies
Seat Unique
Wales urged to keep momentum going
Castell Howell
Glamorgan Brewing
Ted Hopkins
Hawes & Curtis
Wales urged to keep momentum going