Nicky Smith: Wales Must Treat Japan Clash As Start Of 2027 World Cup Campaign
Sale prop Nicky Smith urges Wales to build momentum in the autumn Nations Championship, viewing it as the crucial start to their World Cup journey.
Wales prop Nicky Smith insists the autumn Nations Championship must be treated as the opening chapter of the 2027 World Cup campaign. The Sale forward, who is set to earn his 67th cap this weekend, believes building momentum now is critical for the squad’s long-term success.
Smith, a member of the 2019 semi-final reaching squad, highlighted the high expectations placed on the team in their home fixtures. “In this group we’re expected to win all the home games,” said the 32-year-old. “I think that’s the expectation of the team now.”
He emphasised the need for positive performances to carry into the Six Nations and subsequent World Cup preparations. “We want to go into that World Cup with great momentum, and the autumn is a brilliant starting point for that,” Smith stated.
Defence remains a priority after Wales conceded 16 tries and missed 106 tackles in their summer Tests against Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa. Defence coach Peter Murchie admitted the unit needs significant improvement to become harder to break down.
“I wasn’t happy with the defence overall and I think there’s much more in us,” Murchie said. “There are improvements to be made.” We want to be extremely tough to break down and a tough team to play against.
The squad features 14 players based in England, including Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan at Gloucester, and Aaron Wainwright at Leicester. Smith praised their performances, noting: “Dewi, Jac and Aaron are world-class players and playing for good teams.”
Eli Nathan
Eli Nathan covers Wales news, politics, community stories, and sports for The National Wales (thenational.wales).
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