Howells praise for his young guns
Tokyo
June 13, 2001

Wales coach Lynn Howells was disappointed with his young team's 36 16 defeat against the Pacific Barbarians but pleased with the commitment shown in Tokyo.

``The oldest player on our side today was 24. It's a big task for our
youngsters to go up against lads who have experience playing for New Zealand,'' said Howells.

``Obviously I'm disappointed with the result, but I'm very pleased with the boys' attitude.''

After the demolition of Japan in the first Test on Sunday, Howells made 14 changes, including bringing in young centre Tom Jackson and winger Mark Jones, who both impressed in an otherwise subdued performance.

``Both Tom and Mark did very well, and Jamie Ringer, but apart from that the boys were overawed,'' Howells noted.

Indeed the performance of Jones, who scored Wales' only try, may have put him in the running for a place in the second Test on Sunday, but he came off in the second half injured.

``Our biggest injury worry is Mark. He's got damaged ligaments and it's doubtful he can take part on Sunday,'' Howells said.

After giving the younger players a run-out in the first match against club side Suntory and again today, Howells said he would be returning to a full-strength line-up for the second Test.

``Suntory was a game that made us change our tour plan. We saw that Japanese rugby was stronger than we first thought, so we put more experienced players into the team for the first Test. That's what we'll do on Sunday.''

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