Insight: Danny Wilson

Danny Wilson joined the national team as Assistant Coach (forwards) in August 2018. He arrived with eight-years’ elite-level coaching experience in the Guinness PRO14 and an impressive spell as Head Coach of Wales U20.

On the mood after leaving their training camp in Nagasaki and arriving in Tokyo:

“The boys have been outstanding in the way they’ve trained. The leadership of the senior players in training has really driven the standard and kept the excitement high.

“It is a stepping stone from our training camp in Nagasaki to now being here in Tokyo. That feeling of being in game week is definitely here and the excitement that goes with it.

“The weather is something we will account for. It might resemble something closer to a Six Nations fixture but we will plan accordingly. Sometimes you have to make adjustments even on game day.”

On the progress of flanker Jamie Ritchie in his recovery from a broken cheekbone:

“Jamie trained with us yesterday. He is making progress. There is a big question mark for this weekend but hopefully he gets through training and will be available for, if not this weekend, the next game (against Samoa on Monday 30 September).”

On facing Ireland in their first game:

“We have looked at all the recent games Ireland have played. They are ranked number one in the world, they are a good side, well drilled, well coached.

“They have definitely had their ups and downs but in these recent (warm-up) games you try things and experiment. You don’t necessarily reveal your full game-plan going into the first game.

“I think they are one of the best teams in the world. They have had some huge wins in recent times, and maybe the odd result they wouldn’t be happy with, but they are full of quality players and quality coaches. We are certainly aware we are playing against a very good team.”