Wales were impressive in South Africa claiming an historic first ever victory against the Springboks on South African soil despite losing the test series 2-1. And Adams is quietly confident things will click into place for Wales over the next 12 months.
“I think so,” said the Wales wing when asked whether Wales were far away from hitting their straps. “I think the template we put out there in South Africa really gave us some momentum.
“It fed us with some confidence, and we were competitive for large periods of the test series. As a team I thought it was really positive.
“I think we made a lot of strides forward from the Six Nations, creating a little bit of history winning out there for the first time. We were really unlucky to lose that first test as well weren’t we.
“I think it is great, but it counts for nothing unless we take it forward moving on to the next campaign, and into the big year with the World Cup at the end of it. I think that’s the sort of way we want to go about things.
“Certain aspects will probably change, bits and bobs here will change but we aren’t too far away from clicking.” Wales’ tour of the Rainbow Nation was a frustrating one for the Cardiff wing who had battled back from a knee injury suffered in April to start the first test in Pretoria where Pivac’s men slipped to an agonising last-gasp 32-29 defeat.
He was on the replacements bench for the second test but ended up scoring the match winning try as Wales claimed a famous win in Bloemfontein. The 27-year-old, who got married this summer, admits he wasn’t at his best in South Africa but is hell bent on setting the record straight this November when Wales take on New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia, and Australia at the Principality Stadium.
“Personally, I went in carrying a few niggles,” said Adams. “It was a long old year but that’s not an excuse from my end.
“There were aspects of the game I wasn’t too pleased with how I did, and I could have done things a lot better, but I’ve had time to reflect on that.
“That’s certainly something I’ve put a lot of effort into putting right this season.” Before turning his attention to Wales’ autumn campaign Adams is fully focussed on helping Cardiff start the United Rugby Championship strongly.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve set ourselves any set-in stone goals,” he said. “The play-offs certainly should be a target, and with the quality of the squad we’ve got there’s no reason why we can’t achieve that but when you start a new season you always look to better your last.
“That’s the sole focus for us at the minute.”
