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Wales train with 'wet balls and baby oil' ahead of World Cup opener
By Online Editors
Wales have been training for anticipated humid playing conditions at the World Cup by using rugby balls covered in baby oil.
Head coach Warren Gatland believes that humidity is going to be a factor during the tournament in Japan.
England boss Eddie Jones feels his side are fully equipped to cope with such a scenario, and Wales have also left no stone unturned.
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Day-time temperatures at Wales’ current base in the southern Japanese city of Kitakyushu are 30 degrees-plus, with 75 percent humidity, and similar weather is expected elsewhere during the 44-day competition.
And Wales have already been taking measures in an attempt to replicate anticipated slippery handling conditions.
Asked about specific humidity preparations, Gatland said: “We’ve been using wet balls and been using baby oil on them as well.
“We’ve taped them up as well, and we’ve already been through that process in the (training) camps we had before we’ve been away.
“We have been to two camps where one was at altitude and it was very hot in Switzerland, and then it was the late 30s in Turkey.
“We’ve done as much as we possibly can in terms of dealing with the heat.
“I think the humidity is going to be a factor. You can see how warm it is, but with the later kick-offs those temperatures are going to drop to about 20 degrees.
“It’s going to be a lot cooler, but the challenge then is going to be the humidity and dealing with a slippery ball. It’s how we cope with that.
“The players who have been to New Zealand will have experienced that. I come from Hamilton, where it’s incredibly humid there.
“We know what it’s like and we have players who have experienced a lot of night rugby, so we feel we’ve prepared well. We are looking forward to it.”
Wales will hold an open training session at Kitakyushu Stadium on Monday, which is expected to be attended by hundreds of locals.
The players received a rapturous reception on their airport arrival, while banners and posters of support and Welsh flags are displayed throughout the city.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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