Wales lock Ian Evans: We have to redeem ourselves
WALES have pushed back their team announcement for Friday's game against Samoa, with lock Ian Evans saying no-one can take selection for granted after the debacle against Argentina.
Injuries have caused the coaches to delay naming their side until tomorrow, 24 hours later than planned.
The extra time will also mean more fretting for certain players, with some no doubt fearing they have played themselves out of the starting XV after one of the worst Welsh displays in a decade.
Osprey Evans admitted the setback had hit the squad hard, saying: "It doesn't feel much better a few days on.
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"It's the same as it was when the final whistle went on Saturday. That's not very positive, I know, but the only way to rectify these things is by putting them right on the field — and we get that chance on Friday night.
"We have to redeem ourselves."
But the only man to play in every minute of every Wales game during the Six Nations accepts that after the 26-12 loss to the Pumas there are no selection guarantees.
"All the boys are concerned about their places, including myself," said the 28-year-old line-out ace.
"Whenever a team performs as we performed, everyone gets worried.
"Across the board we were one-paced, nowhere near where we were in the Six Nations or on the summer tour of Australia.
"We didn't make one line-break and we were waiting for things to happen instead of making them happen. No-one needs to tell us it wasn't good enough.
"So I think training will be on edge this week, but that's a good thing because it will get the best out of us.
"I prefer being part of a team on edge because it makes everyone push a bit harder. We know we didn't play well and we want to put things right."
Whether Jamie Roberts is named in the side will depend on how he quickly he recovers from the "mild concussion" he suffered against Argentina, while Alun Wyn Jones was today booked for a scan on his shoulder injury.
Jonathan Davies's hip problem continues to be assessed but Ryan Jones and Ashley Beck planned to train this week with a view to being available for the Samoa game in Cardiff.
Ospreys youngster Lloyd Peers has been called in to train with the squad as cover for Alun Wyn Jones.
The stakes are high against Samoa, with New Zealand and Australia to follow. Defeat would leave Wales at risk of an autumn series whitewash: something that shouldn't happen to Grand Slam champions.
"Failure isn't an option on Friday," said Evans. "We have put ourselves under pressure and we have to win. However we do it, we need to get a good result.
"It's about turning up and making things happen."
MARK ORDERS
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