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Wales Online
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Matthew Southcombe

Wales coach tries to explain how they solve the problem Sam Warburton says is everything

Wales accept they were outmuscled against Ireland and forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys has explained what they're doing to fix it.

Red jerseys were almost constantly in retreat during the 29-7 defeat at the Aviva Stadium as Irish ball-carriers crashed over the gain line time and again.

It meant Andy Farrell's side enjoyed plenty of quick ball - 71% of their rucks were under three seconds - meaning Johnny Sexton and co were able to attack an unorganised defence.

The point was highlighted by former Wales skipper Sam Warburton in his analysis of the game over the weekend and Humphreys insists it was not lost on those in camp.

"We talked a lot about physicality on both sides of the ball and we came up second best there," Humphreys said of the team's debrief.

"It certainly wasn’t attitude. There are a few things structurally that we’ve looked at, that will give us a little bit more momentum, to help our ball carriers.

"It’s a big work-on for us that we need to improve before we play Scotland.

He added: "Ireland were certainly on the front foot carrying ball and it’s a lot easier to get momentum.

"We’re working hard this week in terms of trying to create that momentum, to allow us to move forward onto the ball rather than be static as we were on the weekend."

The word 'physicality' is thrown around with abandon in a confrontational sport like rugby. But how do you improve it?

In solving the problem, Humphreys insisted it was not a case of simply telling players to run harder, but work smarter.

"We can say we need to be more physical but how are we going to be more physical? That’s what we’re working on," said the former hooker.

"We don’t just want people to run harder or tackle harder, they are throwaway words.

"We’re on about, technically, how do we get into those positions to be able to get dominance.

"That’s been a big focus for us this week.

"You see Ireland on the weekend, they’re winning collisions and they have quick ball. It’s much easier, then, to get momentum and be on the front foot.

"So it comes back to the start of that. How do we get momentum? How do we keep momentum when we’re carrying the ball?

"These are the things that we’ve looked at technically. As you say, you can’t just say run harder. We’re on about how do we get momentum, how do we retain it?"

One player that could help on that front is the abrasive Ross Moriarty, who came off the bench in Dublin having played just one match since injuring his shoulder against New Zealand last autumn.

The back-rower enjoyed a decent cameo in Dublin and Humphreys says he is 'certainly in consideration' to start in Cardiff this weekend.

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