Wales repelled the challenge of Canada 24-14 in the Bowl quarter-final with a measured and controlled performance with captain Luke Treharne pulling the strings expertly from halfback. Treharne scored a sizzling try against Canada while Ethan Davies, Sam Cross and Owen Jenkins added tries in a well-controlled win for Wales.
Wales led Scotland 7-5 at the break in the semi-final thanks to a converted try for twinkle toed Treharne. The lead could have been even better but Davies knocked the ball on over the try-line after the halftime hooter. After the re-start, Scotland hit back through Jamie Farndale but Wales reclaimed the lead with a try by Lloyd Evans after great work down the flank by Jordan Williams.
Wales’ defence held firm until four seconds from the final whistle when Robbie Nairn darted over to send his side through to the Bowl final with a 17-14 victory.
Thomas said his side were left ruing basic mistakes but the squad head for Cape Town knowing that if they can apply themselves for the entire seven minutes of each half, rewards will come.
“At this level, teams are absolutely ruthless – if you make a mistake they will come back and haunt you,” he said.
“There were a number of those sort of instances in the game against Scotland but to be fair to the boys they will look back with disappointment over the weekend but the big question is: have we learned from them? So long as we don’t make the same mistakes next week in Cape Town, then we are making progress and that is what we are all about.
“Despite bowing out against Scotland, during the tournament there were a lot of positive performances – all 12 played a part. I don’t think people realise the effort needed to play in 35 degrees of heat – in the changing room after the game if people had felt how wet the kit was from perspiration lost during the game – I think they might be surprised.
“Going forward, we have a platform to build from. It was really pleasing to see the three new caps Ethan Davies, Luke Crocker and Jordan Williams all perform well. Next week we have another chance to pit out wits against three teams in the pool and that is something we all look forward to with excitement.”
