Adams hopes Wales mini revival continues on tour
Wales wing Josh Adams, who has earned 71 international caps, is optimistic that Wales can demonstrate progress to Argentina and South Africa following the heavy defeats suffered under Steve Tandy’s leadership last November against these southern hemisphere teams.
In Tandy's first match in charge, Argentina secured a 52-28 victory, while South Africa delivered a 73-0 defeat to Wales in Cardiff eight months ago.
During those two matches at the Principality Stadium, Wales conceded a total of 125 points. The team now faces the challenge of playing the same opponents on consecutive Saturdays, this time away from home.
Wales are currently experiencing a mini-revival after achieving Test wins against Italy and Fiji, but they acknowledge the difficulty of traveling to face Argentina and South Africa on their home turf.
"I'd like to think that they will see a progression in our game," said the 31-year-old Adams.
What Argentina-bound Wales learned from Fiji win
The Cardiff wing is among six players remaining from the Wales squad that secured a 2-0 series victory against Argentina eight years ago. He recognizes that the upcoming two weeks will represent a significant step forward for Steve Tandy's evolving squad.
"It will certainly be a different test again going to Argentina, going to San Juan and playing there," Adams said.
"I played there back in 2018 and I won.
So I know how tough it is and I know how good the Argentinians are at the minute. So when you talk about tests, that's right up there."
Adams, who toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2021, is aware that the following week will likely present an even greater challenge.
"Then it is the little matter of the world champions in Durban.
So we've got some tests coming up and it'll be a good gauge of where this team is at in the next two weeks.”
Adams on rewards of never giving up
Adams scored a remarkable individual try against Argentina eight years ago and also made a notable contribution against Fiji with an opportunistic effort that unfolded in an unusual manner.
He chased a speculative chip kick from Wales centre Joe Hawkins, which Fiji wing Selestino Ravutaumada attempted to allow to dribble over the dead-ball line. Adams surprised his opposite number by sliding in to ground the ball, putting Wales 12 points ahead.
"It's one of those clichés, isn't it? You just don't give up on anything," Adams said.
"It was a decent kick from Joe and what do they say? The kick is only as good as it's chase. So you always chase.
I got lucky I guess, but if you don't chase hard you don't get those chances.
So that is a lesson to any young wing, that it's so important to chase the ball as hard you can, because you never know what might happen."
