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| | Friday, 14 June, 2002, 08:31 GMT 09:31 UK Morgan keeps mind on SA job Kevin Morgan made a big impact in the first Test South Africa v Wales, second Test at Newlands, Cape Town, Saturday 15 June (kick-off 1405 BST). Live on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru Wales full-back Kevin Morgan says concentration will be the key to success in the second Test against South Africa. The Springboks took the honours 34-19 in the first match between the two sides at Bloemfontein last week, and Morgan feels Welsh thoughts wandered at vital times. "At the end of the first half we let in a soft try which we were disappointed with," said the Swansea star. "Then, at the start of the second half we didn't really come out of the blocks. You have to concentrate for the whole game.
"Playing at altitude probably had its effect and we fatigued a bit, but we are back at sea-level this week and hopefully we can play for 80 minutes." The 25-year-old earned praise from South African coach Rudi Straeuli after the Bloemfontein game following his combination play with wingers Craig Morgan and Rhys Williams. And Morgan feels the back-three still have plenty to offer Wales despite still learning their trade. "We have only been together for a few Test matches, and I think there's a lot of potential there," he said. "The three of us enjoy getting forward into attacking positions, but we appreciate there's a defensive job to be done as well. "Hopefully, the weather will be good enough for us to show what we can do. But we have to concentrate on the basics of our game and see what comes from there." And despite a growing reputation in the No15 jersey, Morgan doesn't consider himself an automatic selection just yet. "I know it only takes a couple of bad games to put you out of the side. If you are not performing then you don't deserve to play.
"I am well aware that Rhys (Williams) could step in at full-back and Tom Shanklin could come in on the wing if I was not performing. It keeps you on your toes." The former Pontypridd player considers the two-Test tour important in strengthening team spirit and the professional attitude of the squad. "Coach Steve Hansen is always onto us to look after ourselves and gives us the responsibility to do that," he said. "The build-up to the match is about more than just training. You analyse your own game, but also work together in units." Morgan will take his place in an unchanged Wales side forn Saturday's match and feels they can improve on last week's result. "We let the game slip away in the first Test," he said. "But we can gain confidence from that. "South Africa will be looking to lift their game and so will we. We have to have the belief that we can win it." The Springboks have made four changes to their starting line-up with fit-again Corne Krige and DeWet Barry returning, Brent Russell moving to full-back and Quinton Davids making his debut at lock. South Africa: Brent Russell (Pumas); Stefan Terblanche (Sharks), Marius Joubert (WP), De Wet Barry (WP), Breyton Paulse (WP); Andre Pretorius (Lions), Johannes Conradie (WP); Daan Human (WP), James Dalton (Falcons), Willie Meyer (Lions), Quinton Davids (WP), Jannes Labuschagne (Lions), Corne Krige (WP), AJ Venter (Sharks), Bob Skinstad (WP, capt). Wales: K Morgan (Swansea); R Williams (Cardiff), M Taylor (Swansea), A Marinos (Newport), C Morgan (Cardiff); S Jones (Llanelli), D Peel (Llanelli); I Thomas (Llanelli), R McBryde (Llanelli), B Evans (Swansea), G Llewellyn (Neath), S Williams (Northampton), M Owen (Pontypridd), M Williams (Cardiff), C Charvis (Swansea, capt). Referee: Tony Spreadbury (England). Touch judges: Alan Lewis (Ireland), Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand). | |
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