Having been on the bench for Saturday’s opening Dove Men Series defeat to Argentina, Phillips starts at scrum-half against a Samoan side who thrashed Canada 42-12 in Colwyn Bay last weekend.
And with Wales failing to hit their straps against the Pumas in Cardiff, the British & Irish Lions star knows an improved performance is an absolute must if Rob Howley’s men are to pick up a vital victory ahead of the back-to-back fixtures with New Zealand and Australia.
“We’ve got to put the basics right this week and make sure we go out there with heart, spirit and aggression – those basic things you need at any level of rugby to get a performance and get a win,” said Phillips, who swaps places with Tavis Knoyle as one of eight changes from the side that faced Argentina.
“It felt quite flat last week – people could see that. I’m not sure why.Maybe we have been slow starters throughout the years, with the first game in November. International rugby is a different intensity. It’s out of the way now, so hopefully we can push on and improve.
“It’s another tough game now against a top side. It was a really tough game when we played them in the World Cup. I thought they were great in that tournament last year and were a bit unlucky at times.
“It’s going to be an extremely physical game, we know that. They’re going to come out gunning for us.
“They have some great players who can off-load and genuine steppers, so they are a major treat and they turned Australia over last year.We will give them massive respect, but we’ve got to take it to them.”
Phillips is desperate to put in the kind of performance that will see him hang on to the No9 shirt against the All Blacks a week on Saturday and he insists the public will see a player giving his absolute all for the national cause.
The 30-year-old missed the recent training camp in Spala due to his Top 14 commitments with French club Bayonne and he intends to make up for the disappointment of losing his starting berth last time out.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t go to Poland so preparation wasn’t great for me for last week’s game. But I’ve been quite pleased with the way I’ve been playing,” added Phillips.
“I’m an experienced player who has been in the squad for a number of years now. I know the way in which we are going to play and I know the management team very well.
“There is always pressure but you have just got to play your role and give it everything.Last year I was away playing in France in between Six Nations matches and I was part of a Grand Slam-winning team.
“Whenever I wear the jersey, I am going to give absolutely everything. People know that.”
