Wales v France, Rugby World Cup, October 15
Fearless Welsh ready for French exam
ESPNscrum Staff
October 14, 2011
Captain Sam Warburton puts Wales into the quarter-finals with the fourth score of the first-half, Fiji v Wales, Rugby World Cup, Waikato Stadium, Taranaki, New Zealand, October 2, 2011
Skipper Sam Warburton has played a key role in Wales' remarkable run to the World Cup semi-finals © Getty Images
Enlarge

Despite standing on the cusp of history, Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde insists that the nation's players remain "unburdened by the pressures of expectancy" ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup semi-final with France.

The youthful Welsh squad has taken the tournament by storm, bouncing back after a desperately unfortunate opening-round defeat by South Africa to reel off successive wins over Samoa, Namibia, Fiji and, last weekend in the quarter-finals, Ireland.

The pressure is now on them, though, as they go into their clash with Les Bleus as favourites to progress to the final for the first time in the nation's history. However, McBryde insists that the players are not feeling the heat ahead of their Auckland date with destiny.

"The only weight and expectation we have on our shoulders is the pressure we put on ourselves," he said. "Because of the youth in the squad we are relatively unburdened by the pressures of expectancy and we are happy with it. It is the same mindset as we took into the game against Ireland last week.

"When you see the blend of youth and experience we have in the squad, it is much a case of enjoying the moment. We are not putting any limits on our potential."

In many ways, 23-year-old captain Sam Warbuton perfectly embodies everything that is good about this Wales side in that he is young, dynamic and utterly fearless. Certainly, McBryde feels the openside flanker is a truly inspirational figure.

"You know when you are in somebody's company, the composure and the way he handles himself on and off the field, you know he is special," he said.

"To have that composure on the field, to make the right decisions and he has never been one to be too reactive. He has a good balance and he likes to get away from rugby when he can, which has not been easy on this trip.

"He leads by example. Some captains feel they have to change completely when they are handed the role, talking at every opportunity, and he has had some sound advice. He leads from the front with his performances. He speaks quietly and everyone leans in to listen."

Warburton's back-row colleague Toby Faletau, who is just 20, has also gone about his business in a remarkably carefree manner and the Tongan-born No.8 is looking forward to his latest test: a mouth-watering head-to-head with France veteran Imanol Harinordoquy.

"He is a good player, he has been a good player for a while now," the Dragons ace said. "[But] I am not intimidated by anybody. I will go on the pitch and have a go against him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.