Rugby League World Cup: Ex-coach Iestyn Harris disappointed with Wales attitude

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Leaguecomments19

Wales head coach John Kear reflects on their 72-6 defeat to Fiji in the Rugby League World Cup.
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Dates: 27 October to 2 December
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Ex-coach and player Iestyn Harris has criticised Wales' performance in their World Cup-record 72-6 loss to Fiji.

Harris, 41, whose Wales side lost all three of their 2013 World Cup games, admits John Kear's side were never expected to beat Fiji in Townsville.

But the former Great Britain stand-off questioned the current side's attitude.

"I was just disappointed with the ease Fiji scored long-distance tries, they didn't really get any stoppage of momentum throughout the game," he said.

"There's other nations that have got similar squads as Wales that have done a lot better with their attitude.

"It's not a huge criticism because I understand it's a difficult position to be in and I've ultimately been in that position myself, so just looking on as a Welshman and a fan it's disappointment.

"There's no disputing there was a gulf in class between the two sides and physicality as well.

"I don't think we expected to win that game with the quality that Fiji had in their ranks, but the disappointment came from when you wear a Welsh shirt you've got to give absolutely everything you've got.

"We're not always going to beat the bigger nations but you make a nuisance of yourself and you make it difficult for them to get into any fluency, and you make it difficult for them to get over the top of you as a team."

Wales lost their opening game 50-6 against co-hosts Papua New Guinea in a sweltering Port Moresby, and will end their tournament against Ireland in Perth on Sunday.

The Irish have to beat Wales and rely on an unlikely USA win over PNG earlier on Sunday to progress to the quarter-finals after losing narrowly 14-6 to PNG and beating Italy 36-12 in their opening match.

You can follow the fortunes of your favourite team with live match notifications sent straight to your phone or tablet via the BBC Sport app. Line-up, kick-off, score, half-time and full-time options are available for all teams participating at the World Cup.

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19 comments

  • Comment posted by Per O Dee, at 10:46 7 Nov 2017

    3. Posted by KJB

    RL World Cup is the biggest non event on the world sporting stage.

    -----------

    But you just thought you'd scan BBC Sport's Rugby League pages, and make a comment anyway.

    I expect you'd be tapping away on your keyboard like a 'gud un', if Archery had a HYS. Another chance to belittle shouldn't go amiss. Sad sack.

  • Comment posted by welshlion, at 12:58 7 Nov 2017

    Harris is a joke, look at the squad and draw he had in 2013 and all the matches in Wales and they couldn’t win a match. John Kears team have lost 5 of their top full time pros, that said they will be disappointed to have not competed for longer in each game.
    As for a none event you obviously didn’t see the games in Hamilton or Port Moresby at the weekend or the efforts from Ireland or Lebanon

  • Comment posted by joker, at 09:19 7 Nov 2017

    3.KJB and yet you come onto this forum. Ipso facto, you have been paying attention to this 'non event'. My dear boy, stop being such a crashing bore. Enjoy your sport and let others enjoy theirs, ie try to uphold the values of good sportsmanship.

  • Comment posted by joe lydon, at 07:13 7 Nov 2017

    Iestyn has a point - Wales have had a tough draw but attitude and mental approach is key. The Ireland game is a chance against sl opposition for Wales to show some pride in the shirt - it will be compelling viewing and best of luck to Wales rl

  • Comment posted by Steve Jones, at 09:44 7 Nov 2017

    In retrospect I think Wales made a mistake winning their World Cup qualifying group. However, considering that the majority of the squad are part-timers I'm proud of their efforts despite the disappointing results. Enjoying the original Rugby World Cup though and wouldn't dream of describing it as a non-event.

  • Comment posted by SteveW, at 09:41 7 Nov 2017

    Wales have also missed a number of key players due to injury, the likes of Ben Flower

  • Comment posted by U16773568, at 19:43 7 Nov 2017

    Even before a ball was passed the current Welsh squad looked well off the pace. No disrespect to the guys who ave battled against adversity but the gulf in quality and experience is huge. If that was not enough to contend with, the temperatures and humidity, have made a difficult task nigh on impossible.

  • Comment posted by joe lydon, at 16:49 7 Nov 2017

    Yes it seems that even John kear's legendary motivational tactics have run out - Wales have battled but lack the quality when it is championship players against top line nrl players

  • Comment posted by joe lydon, at 12:44 7 Nov 2017

    Agree with 9 that there are a few high profile players from leading clubs in Australia and others that should look in the mirror with some convenient pre tournament withdrawals from both the Scotland and Wales squads - Ireland are showing the way in terms of commitment to the cause and surviving on thin resources

  • Comment posted by joe lydon, at 07:32 8 Nov 2017

    17 - the Welsh talent is on the way - see Wales u18 beating England u18 - we just need to wait to the next World Cup cycle to see it flourish. I have watched Fiji be hammered in 2008 and 2012 to see them develop to a top line team for this tournament

  • Comment posted by U16773568, at 23:15 7 Nov 2017

    Rugby League is far from dead in Wales. Admittedly it has a long way to go but the numerous amateur teams and two semi pro teams demonstrate an appetite for the game in Wales. It would be nice to see Great Britain roar again but I suspect that very few of the existing Welsh National team would be called upon. However, rising stars like Regan Grace @ St Helen's may buck the trend.Good luck Wales.

  • Comment posted by Angelic Cynic, at 11:49 7 Nov 2017

    Very poor from Harris - his record as national coach,and at Super League level is less than the brilliant.It must be his attitude.If he an 'agent' now,perhaps he just represents those of Super League standard,like the ones who missed playing for Wales due to injury.
    These half-decent players in a few sports do seem to fail at coaching level with players of lesser ability.
    Try encouragement?

  • Comment posted by Gaz, at 12:41 8 Nov 2017

    Question - When is a bite not a bite?

    answer - when you wear an English white shirt

    shame on england

  • Comment posted by Dave W, at 20:30 7 Nov 2017

    As a St Helens RL supporter I praise the Lord we signed Paul Sculthorpe from Warringtoninstead of this over rated self serving money grabber.

  • Comment posted by Ryosuke, at 22:28 7 Nov 2017

    rl in Wales is dead! Has been surviving on the scrapes of English rejects for a long time! Its time to bring back Great Britain! We all know thats the only way we can hope to compete against the top two!

  • Comment posted by asb, at 11:03 7 Nov 2017

    The only thing worse than the performances of Wales and Scotland in the World Cup has been the BBC coverage being just highlights, apart from England games, so far. On the other hand who would want to watch two full games featuring those two countries when they are underperforming. Both coaches MUST resign.

  • Comment posted by AC1978_2018, at 07:33 7 Nov 2017

    They were ripped a new one. I think "disappointment" is a play on words of the actual word Iestyn used.. More like F-kin Livid. And well he should be. Terrible Wales, you let every single one of your faithful and passionate supporters down. End of.

  • Comment posted by U16773568, at 19:57 7 Nov 2017

    The RFL should be making notes for the 2021 World Cup.Blow out score lines are acceptable in other sporting competition but not so in Rugby League where they are an opportunity for its detractors to pour scorn and ridicule.The 2021 Rugby League World cup needs to be attractive and competitive.I suggest top 6 nations play each other, with top 4 competing semis with winners entering the final.

  • Comment posted by KJB, at 07:52 7 Nov 2017

    The rules have been 'relaxed' to allow more Aussies into the SO teams and this is the result.
    RL World Cup is the biggest non event on the world sporting stage.

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