Wales seek winning feeling in Argentina, Adam Beard reflects on past visit
Wales prepare for Argentina clash
Wales are set to face Argentina this weekend in San Juan, a venue where some of the current squad have previously experienced victory. Lock Adam Beard, who started in Wales’ 23-10 win against the Pumas eight years ago in San Juan, expressed his hope that the team can replicate that success. Other players from the 2018 squad returning to San Juan include wing Josh Adams and prop Dillon Lewis, who also started that match. Aaron Wainwright made his Test debut from the bench in that game, while hooker Ryan Elias and scrum-half Tomos Williams were also part of the squad.
Beard noted the passage of time since their last visit, stating, “It’s great to be back here eight years after the last time and how quick that time has gone, it’s crazy.” He acknowledged Argentina as a proud nation with a strong rugby side and expressed optimism for the upcoming match, despite changes to the squad since their last victory there. The match will take place at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, an intimate venue with a capacity of just over 25,000.
Beard also commented on the atmosphere, saying, “They can be hostile crowds but as rugby players and sports people these are the type of events and places that you want to go and play in.” He added that experiencing different crowds and teams is beneficial, and the players are looking forward to the weekend’s game.
Squad changes and personal reflections
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has announced three changes to the team that defeated Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium. One significant change sees Louis Rees-Zammit moved to the bench, with Ellis Mee starting on the wing for the trip to San Juan. James Botham will start at blindside flanker, replacing Alex Mann, and Sam Costelow is named as the starting fly-half.
Ryan Elias is listed among the replacements and is set to earn his 50th Wales cap this weekend. Kane James is also on the bench, aiming for his senior international debut. Tandy explained these selections, noting that the team aims to build on their previous performance. He described the upcoming match as an exciting challenge and a good test for the team away from home.
Beard, who will earn his 67th cap on Saturday, reflected on his journey over the past year, which included a challenging performance against France during the Six Nations. This led to him being moved to the replacements bench, with Ben Carter partnering Dafydd Jenkins for the remainder of the tournament. “The start of the Six Nations was not great for myself probably, especially that France performance,” Beard admitted, acknowledging costly mistakes.
He used that experience for reflection and adapted to a different role coming off the bench. With Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins sidelined due to a shoulder injury for Wales’ summer games, Beard returned to the starting lineup against Fiji in the opening Nations Championship victory. He stated he did not take the opportunity for granted and felt he delivered a strong performance, emphasizing the importance of seizing such chances.
Tandy’s praise and future outlook
Steve Tandy, who also coached Beard at the Ospreys, commended the British and Irish Lions lock’s response to adversity. Tandy described Beard’s performance in the recent game as one of his best for the team. He highlighted Beard’s character and his positive attitude even after the France defeat, noting his drive to regain his place in the team as outstanding.
Beard is completing a long season, with two more matches for Wales against Argentina and then South Africa in Durban next weekend. His season included a successful first year with French club Montpellier, where he experienced a Challenge Cup triumph and reached the Top 14 final. He described his move to France as a rewarding challenge, despite the physical demands of the league.
Beard expressed his enjoyment of playing rugby in the Wales jersey and feels he still has much to contribute, despite being one of the older second rows in the squad. He called his move to Montpellier “probably the best decision I’ve made rugby wise so far for myself and my family,” noting that he might have regretted not making the move if he had stayed with the Ospreys, where he had played since he was 14. The support and passion in the Top 14, he said, are at a different level to what he had experienced before.
The upcoming match against Argentina will be broadcast on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app, with live text commentary also available. It will also be shown live on S4C.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
