Despite an historic 9-6 win over New Zealand on Friday – the first loss by New Zealand in the five years of the tournament – Wilson emphasised the potential threat the South Sea Islanders will pose in the final round of Pool matches.
Wilson has made just two changes to the side for this third and final Pool game. Blues academy and former Mountain Ash centre Thomas Pascoe will win his first Under 20 cap when he starts in place of Jack Dixon at inside centre, while Daniel Thomas returns to the openside flank. Kirby Myhill retains the captaincy with Cory Hill still out of action due to illness.
Wilson said, “The players have certainly gained in confidence having beaten New Zealand, and the win gave us a good platform to build from. However, Samoa are a dangerous side and we’re certainly not taking them lightly.
“After the rain last week, we’ve switched grounds and the conditions are now hot and dry which will suit them well. They will be a big, physical challenge, with dangerous runners but we have to play to our strengths again and stick to our game plan. We have a strong pack of forwards but we also want to play rugby – when the time is right.
“The two changes are no reflection on Jack Dixon or Ellis Jenkins who have stepped down to the bench for this game. At 17, Jack has already played two full games in this tournament and Ellis played very well on Friday but it’s a case of tweaking the side to try to counter some of Samoa’s strengths.
“There is nothing better for team spirit than a great win and the way we dug in for the result on Friday has done us no harm at all. We are in a good position now with two wins under our belt but we will have achieved nothing if we don’t beat Samoa and go through to the semis.”
Wales team v Samoa
Tuesday 12 June, University of Western Cape Town Stadium, 3.45pm UK time (live on Sky Sports 2)
Ross Jones (Ospreys); Tom Prydie (Dragons), Cory Allen (Blues), Thomas Pascoe (Blues), Eli Walker (Ospreys); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kirby Myhill (capt, Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys), Matthew Screech (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Blues), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets), Dan Baker (Ospreys)
Replacements: Darran Harris (Blues), Gareth Thomas (Carmarthen Quins), WillGriff John (Blues), Ieuan Jones (Drgaons), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Jonathan Evans (Dragons), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Jack Dixon (Dragons)
Wales’ JWC 2012 Pool fixtures to date:
Monday 4 June Wales 44-18 Fiji
Friday 8 June Wales 9-6 New Zealand
