Harris full of confidence

Iestyn Harris' disappointment in defeat is clear to see

Wales v Tonga at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Saturday 17 November, live on BBC1 (kick-off 1600 GMT).

Also live commentary on BBC Radio Wales MW - listen online

Welsh rugby's £1million man Iestyn Harris insists that his confidence had not been rocked by a miserable Test match debut against Argentina.

Harris will gain his second cap when Wales tackle Tonga in a must-win game at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Following emphatic home defeats by Ireland and Argentina - Wales conceded a total of 66 points and five tries - coach Graham Henry or his players can hardly afford another setback.

Damning media criticism followed Argentina's 30-16 triumph, while David Young relinquished the Wales captaincy and announced his retirement from international rugby just 48 hours later.

Hopefully, I will be able to look back on my debut and allow myself a little smile

Iestyn Harris

Henry reacted by dropping three players: wing Rhys Williams, lock Craig Quinnell and flanker Gavin Thomas.

The New Zealander also made several positional switches, including moving Harris from fly-half to inside centre, and appointed Scott Quinnell as the new skipper.

It gives former Leeds and Great Britain rugby league star Harris an early opportunity to bounce back from the Pumas' pummelling.

Both Argentine tries came directly as a result of Harris blunders - a charged-down kick, then a wayward defensive clearance that was pounced upon.

But there has been far less media hype engulfing Harris this week, which might just allow him the freedom to let his rugby do the talking.

"I'm fine, my confidence has not been jolted," he said, after Wales completed the bulk of pre-match preparations at their Vale of Glamorgan training base on Wednesday.

Guiding hand

"I always thought it would take time for me to settle and you are going to have your ups and downs in your career, it's part and parcel of the game.

"Obviously, you don't dream that the occasion of winning your first cap will go the way it did for me. It was disappointing, but I have picked myself up now.

"Hopefully, in a couple of years' time, I will be able to look back on my debut and allow myself a little smile," he added.

"I would like to think that the expectation has calmed down a bit now. I think it is a little bit unfair to judge me on just two or three games of rugby union."

Harris will be partnered in midfield by 36-year-old Allan Bateman on Saturday, recalled for seemingly the umpteenth time to a Wales starting XV, and Harris could not wish for a calmer, more experienced guiding hand.

Allan Batemen will steady the Wales midfield

Bateman, 11 years Harris' senior, knows all about his apprentice from their rugby league days together and believes that Wales have recruited a rare talent.

"I felt for Iestyn during the Argentina game, our forwards weren't on top and there was nothing really for him to build on," Bateman said.

"But he is such a dynamic player and he can destroy a team with quick ball."

Wales have won all five of their previous Tests against Tonga, including a 46-12 success when the sides last met, four years ago at Swansea.

Advance ticket sales have crept over the 20,000-mark, a reasonable effort given Wales' dismal form, but there will be no hiding place for Henry or his players if it goes horribly wrong this weekend.

With world champions Australia next up after Tonga on 25 November, Wales desperately need a morale-boosting victory.

---

Wales: K Morgan (Swansea); G Thomas (Bridgend), A Bateman (Neath), I Harris (Cardiff), A Sullivan (Cardiff); S Jones (Llanelli), R Howley (Cardiff); I Thomas (Ebbw Vale), R McBryde (Llanelli), D Morris (Swansea), I Gough (Newport), A Moore (Swansea), C Charvis (Swansea), B Sinkinson (Neath), S Quinnell (Llanelli, capt).
Reps: B Williams (Neath), S John (Cardiff), C Wyatt (Llanelli), G Thomas (Bath), D Peel (Llanelli), J Robinson (Cardiff), R Williams (Cardiff).

Tonga: T Taufahema (Caerphilly); T Tiueti (Neath), S Taumalolo (Bridgend), G Leger (Manukau), E Taione (Newcastle); P Hola (West Harbour), S Martens (Swansea); J Pale (Wellington), V Ma'asi (Fasi/Maufanga), T Taumoepeau (Auckland Blues), F Fakaongo (Auckland), V Vaki (Lavengamalie), N Naufahu (Hawkes Bay), M Te Pou (Limerick), I Afeaki (Wellington, capt).