Gareth Anscombe celebrates against South Africa after a fine, controlled performance from the bench. Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Such has been the case with Dan Biggar's importance to Wales in recent years, even at this Rugby World Cup in their opening match against Fiji, that the sight of the Wales No. 10 leaving the field just 12 minutes after Sunday's decider against Australia drew a collective groan from The large contingent in Lyon are dressed in red. As it turned out, there was nothing to worry about as Gareth Anscombe came on as a substitute and did well.
Much of the credit for what turned out to be Wales' record win over Australia goes to the efforts of the forwards, who, after a few early technical errors, dominated the contest and controlled the situation in the corridor. and thanks to their bloody, ruthless flanker and captain Jack Morgan, who seems to be getting better with every Test he plays, he defended admirably.
But despite this strong platform, Anscombe was brilliant. His path to this moment was thorny. A torn knee ligament in one of Wales' final warm-up matches ruled him out of the 2019 tournament in Japan, having played a key role in winning the Grand Slam earlier that year. The extent of that injury only became known later — it took him two years to return to the field — Anscombe recently revealed that his final operation required surgeons to break his tibia, realign his leg and add bone graft from a deceased donor to his knee.
Anscombe returned, became part of the Wales team again, and broke his hand during World Cup training in Turkey this summer, leaving him wondering when his luck would come. Speaking in the depths of the OL Stadium after one of Wales' great World Cup victories, perhaps that moment has arrived.
“From a personal point of view there's still so much to work on, but it was so nice to spend some time on the big stage tonight because when I get questions about injuries, [that's] what you play the game for, to get back out there «, Anscombe explained.
On Sunday night, Anscombe finished with 25 points, including a missed goal, to keep the scoreboard moving with Wales already leading 32-6. His highlight, however, was a chip over a weakening Australia defense that center Nick Thompkins raced over for Wales' second try. Notable after this was Anscombe's celebration, who jumped and punched the air in delight.
«I think I was trying to allow myself to enjoy the big moments a little more,» he responded when asked about the reaction, adding that he had received several messages from home. “These moments are so intense. You do feel the pressure, so it's nice to be able to relax a little.
“I learned to enjoy them more. After the game, which was truly special, my daughter and my boy were with me on the field. We work really hard, so I think it's important to celebrate the little things. Sometimes you need to keep them under control and sometimes you also need to enjoy them. It was very nice.”
Such a difficult two-year recovery from injury taught Anscombe to appreciate special moments more. Photo: Adam Pretty/World Rugby via Getty Images
Biggar will miss Wales' final group game against Georgia due to the pectoral strain that left him injured. should mean more minutes for Anscombe. Asked how he felt after his previous World Cup start against Portugal, when a much-changed Wales eventually ended with a bonus-point win, Anscombe replied: «I've probably never been as upset in my life as I am about this upcoming match.» . outside the field.
“I haven’t played much rugby and it’s been one of the biggest disappointments of my career in recent times. At summer camps I thought I was good at construction, but then I broke my arm. At one point I thought this was my world championship, but I had enough. I am very grateful to the team working behind the scenes. The medical team did a fantastic job getting me back on the field. The coaching staff supported me without much playing time.”
Australia were shambolic in Lyon but still good teams finish off bad teams like the Wallabies with ease, which is what Wales did on Sunday. Asked about his emotions after the victory, which gave Wales control of Group C, Anscombe initially responded with «relief».
Pre-match conversations aimed at Wales' preparation focused on «getting the game out there worthy of the sacrifices our team will make.” families do» to help players reach that point. As Anscombe underwent multiple surgeries to return to the field, his wife Milika converted a downstairs room of their home into a makeshift bedroom. Sunday's performance would have made the whole ordeal worth it.
“The management off the field have done a great job connecting us with our families,” Gats [Warren Gatland] spoke of them before the game. When you have those moments on the field after a game and you see your family's happiness, that's what it's all about. That's why we play this game.»
Following Anscombe's performance against Australia, Wales now know that if Biggar is ever kicked off the field, all is not lost.
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