Wales prepare for Argentina clash
Wales lock Adam Beard has expressed his hope that the team can replicate their past success in Argentina as they prepare to face the Pumas this Saturday. The match will take place at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in San Juan, a venue where Beard previously triumphed eight years ago during Wales’ 23-10 victory against Argentina. Several players from that 2018 squad, including wing Josh Adams and prop Dillon Lewis, are part of the current team.
Aaron Wainwright made his Test debut off the bench in that earlier fixture, while hooker Ryan Elias, who is set to earn his 50th cap this weekend, was also a replacement. Scrum-half Tomos Williams was an unused substitute in that game. Beard noted the passage of time since their last visit, highlighting the pride of Argentina as a rugby nation.
The Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario is known for its intimate atmosphere, accommodating just over 25,000 spectators. Beard commented on the potential for hostile crowds, viewing such environments as opportunities that players look forward to experiencing.
Squad changes and individual performances
Head coach Steve Tandy has announced three changes to the Wales side that defeated Fiji in their opening Nations Championship match. Notably, Louis Rees-Zammit has been moved to the bench, with Ellis Mee starting on the wing for the trip to San Juan. James Botham comes in at blindside flanker, and Sam Costelow will start at fly-half.
Ryan Elias is among the replacements and could achieve his 50th Wales cap, while Kane James is also on the bench, aiming for his senior international debut. Tandy explained that these changes are part of a strategy to freshen up the squad while maintaining cohesion.
Adam Beard, who will earn his 67th cap on Saturday, has worked to secure his place in the Wales squad over the past year. He reflected on a challenging performance against France during the Six Nations, which led to him being moved to the replacements bench. Beard acknowledged that the start of the Six Nations was not ideal for him personally, particularly the France game, which involved costly mistakes.
Following a shoulder injury to Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins, Beard returned to the starting lineup against Fiji, delivering a strong performance. He expressed his enjoyment of being back in the Wales jersey and his belief that he still has much to contribute to the team, despite being one of the older second rows at 30 years old.
Coach’s praise and future fixtures
Steve Tandy, who also coached Beard at the Ospreys, commended the British and Irish Lions lock for his response to adversity. Tandy described Beard’s performance against Fiji as one of his best for the team, highlighting his resilience and positive attitude within the group, even when not starting.
Beard is set to conclude a long season after Wales’ final two matches against Argentina and South Africa in Durban next weekend. He recently completed his first season with French club Montpellier, which included a Challenge Cup victory and reaching the Top 14 final. Beard described his move to France as a rewarding experience, despite the physical demands of the league, and a decision he has personally loved.
The support and passion in the Top 14 have been a different level for Beard compared to his previous experiences. The upcoming match against Argentina will be broadcast on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app, with live text commentary also available, and live coverage on S4C.
The Ultimate Sevens tournament, a new global rugby sevens competition, will feature a Welsh leg at Cardiff Arms Park on September 12.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
