Wales Defence Coach Forshaw Stresses Aggression and Winning Mentality Ahead of Fiji Clash

Mike Forshaw took on the role of Wales defence coach before the 2023 Six Nations. Head coach Warren Gatland and senior players have conveyed to the Wales squad the critical importance of securing a victory in their autumn opening match against Fiji. Wales has suffered defeats in its last nine international fixtures, extending the Test match losing streak to over a year. This losing streak has caused Gatland’s team to drop to its lowest ever position of 11th in the world rankings. Wales is scheduled to play Fiji in the autumn opener on Sunday, 10 November, followed by a match against Australia seven days later, with world champions South Africa set to arrive in Cardiff on 23 November. The Wales squad assembled yesterday, and defence coach Mike Forshaw stated that returning to winning ways is the immediate priority. “That was something which Warren addressed the team with yesterday and some of the senior players talked about that,” said Forshaw. He added, “People saying that Wales had to take some pain with bringing in young players, well that’s over now.” “There’s no excuses and we have to start winning rugby matches.” Forshaw further noted, “That’s not just me as a coach saying that, the players are adamant that’s got to be the case as well.” “There’s a bit of pressure on us to win and the players have got to feel that also.” He concluded this point by stating, “We are in the business of winning matches and we have to do that on a Sunday afternoon in Cardiff against Fiji.” Fiji has climbed above Wales in the world rankings and is set to face Scotland this weekend, while Wales has no scheduled game. “We’ve got to execute at Cardiff next week,” said Forshaw. He elaborated, “I always say when you’re playing at home, we’ve got to be the aggressors. That’s non-negotiable.” Forshaw explained, “We know what is coming from Fiji, it’s stopping it. They play Scotland this week, and then they bring a hell a lot of players in from clubs in France next week, who are very dangerous athletes.” He concluded by saying, “It’s going to be a massive day for us from a defensive point of view, and then it is about when we execute when we get the opportunity with the ball.”