Warren Gatland’s Wales defeated England 13-6 at a sold-out Principality Stadium on Saturday thanks to George North’s 38th Test try, two kicks from man-of-the-match Dan Biggar, and a Leigh Halfpenny penalty.
The next day, Wales flew to Turkey where they will train at the Gloria Sports Arena with a tough week or so is ahead.
Hooker Ken Owens, who produced a fine display against England, said: “It is a good chance to get nine days away and get a little bit more training in away from everything.
“We can just concentrate on the rugby again, get our combinations working, and get more time on the training field in full rugby situations.
“We want to get ready to peak for the two games against Ireland to come.”
Wales faced England in two World Cup warm-up games with each side winning one match each. Next up for Gatland’s men are home and away clashes with Ireland.
“That was good. We are pretty happy, but we know we have to improve again,” added Owens as he reflected on the home win over England.
“Everything we spoke about regarding having a better start, a lot more line-speed defensively and accuracy in attack, we did against a great England side.
“The scrum was a lot better and we can improve again, but like everything it is small steps forward. We’re going to keep moving in the right direction.
“There were lots of pressure moments out there especially towards the last five or 10 minutes. In fairness, the boys came up with some big plays. Dillon Lewis had a big turnover, we turned the maul over which is a big strength of England, and with a scrum five metres out I managed to get a clean strike and get it out quick. We are not the finished article yet though.”
The Gloria Sports Arena – on Turkey’s southern coastline – is not far from the city of Antalya and temperatures during Wales’ stay there are expected to touch 42 degrees centigrade.
Gatland and his coaching staff will have the chance to continue the squad’s fitness work while refining their rugby skills at the same time.
They will then return to Wales ahead of facing Ireland at Principality Stadium on August 31st.
“That is going to be really important match for players involved as it will be their last chance, their last opportunity before we name the RWC squad,” said Gatland.
“We will announce the squad the following day [Sunday September 1] so it is a huge match for the players. It will be an important game for the supporters too as it’s a chance for them to come out, support the team and see them for the last time before we head off to the Rugby World Cup.”
Tickets for Wales v Ireland at Principality Stadium (Saturday 31st August) can be purchased here.
