Will Rowlands plays down his extraordinary tackle count of 27 in Wales’ Rugby World Cup victory over Fiji as lock insists ‘I’m just doing my job’

• Wales made a World Cup record of 253 tackles during win over Fiji on Sunday
• Will Rowlands has played down his defensive heroics in Wales’ victory over Fiji
• Head coach Gatland set to make sweeping changes for Portugal clash on Sunday
• Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

Will Rowlands topped the leaderboard when it came to tackles in Wales’ World Cup record tally of 253 as Warren Gatland’s side started their tournament with a thrilling win over Fiji.

But the lock brushed off his extraordinary individual tally of 27 – which came without a single miss – and then declared himself ready to back it up again against Portugal on Saturday.

Rowlands played the full 80 minutes in Bordeaux as Wales beat Fiji 32-26. Questioned on his remarkable individual performance, the Racing 92 man provided a no-nonsense response.

‘I always find it a bit weird when the number of tackles becomes the headline because you defend in a system. Guys run at you and you tackle them,’ Rowlands said.

‘It’s nice people say nice things but I just see it as me doing my job for the team. I feel fine and trained as normal. It’s all good. We’d gone into the World Cup feeling pretty confident we’d done some good work and were in a good place going into the games physically.

Will Rowlands has played down his defensive heroics in Wales’ thrilling victory over Fiji

The lock brushed off his extraordinary individual tally of 27 – which came without a single miss

Wales made a World Cup record of 253 tackles in the epic encounter in Bordeaux on Sunday

‘It was a tough game but we’ve recovered. We’re well conditioned so ready to go again this week.’

Wales impressed for long periods against Fiji to record a bonus-point win.

It could all have been very different if referee Matthew Carley had punished Wales’ poor discipline and if Fiji centre Semi Radrada had caught a pass with the line gaping and the clock in the red. But Gatland’s side did just enough. Now, their attentions have turned to Portugal.

Wales have swapped Bordeaux for Nice ahead of facing the Pool C minnows here on Saturday.

Head coach Gatland is set to make sweeping changes for his team’s second match.

Fly-half Dan Biggar, full-back Liam Williams and lock Adam Beard trained separately to the main group on Tuesday. All three are very unlikely to face Portugal.

Gareth Anscombe and Leigh Halfpenny are likely to step in for Biggar and Williams respectively, although Gatland could opt for Sam Costelow at No 10.

Rowlands might not have been too keen to praise himself, but he was absolutely outstanding against Fiji and is set to stay in the side for Portugal.

Dafydd Jenkins is the leading contender to partner him in the second row.

‘To get a win and five points is fantastic and now we focus on the next game with Portugal this weekend and we’ll try and do the same again,’ said Rowlands.

Wales fly-half Dan Biggar is likely to be rested against Pool C minnows Portugal on Sunday

The former Wasps forward turned his back on Welsh club rugby amid its financial crisis last season to sign for Racing. He is a vital figure for Gatland given his power and size.

‘I’ve loved the first couple of weeks here. The excitement around the World Cup everywhere you go in France is amazing,’ Rowlands said.

‘It’s been a really great experience so far and made me very excited to play a bit more rugby in France in the next few years.’

Wales name their team for Portugal on Wednesday.

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