New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe is relishing the prospect of a first start for Wales against Australia this weekend after fearing his World Cup was over before it had begun.
Anscombe, qualified for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother, suffered an ankle injury in pre-tournament training and was left out of coach Warren Gatland’s 31-man squad.
But injuries sustained by Hallam Amos and Scott Williams during Wales’ thrilling 28-25 ‘Pool of Death’ win over England at Twickenham, just under a fortnight ago, saw Anscombe summoned to join the squad by fellow New Zealander Gatland, along with James Hook.
However, it is Anscombe, with just one Wales replacement appearance behind him, rather than the experienced Hook, whom Gatland has chosen at full-back for Saturday’s Pool A decider against Australia at Twickenham in place of the injured Matthew Morgan.
“(Injury) was a tough pill to swallow, particularly after 11 weeks of hard work in Switzerland, Doha and at the Vale (in Wales),” said Anscombe at the squad’s training base in Weybridge, south-west of London, on Thursday.
“It’s tough to think your World Cup dream is sort of snatched (away) when so close to selection.
“Injuries aren’t the best part of sport, and we’ve had our fair share.
“Unfortunately for Scotty and Hallam, they took their bumps, and I guess it opened up a door for me. I am thankful to be here, and hopefully I can add to the cause, come Saturday.”
Anscombe’s Wallaby opposite number, the talented Israel Folau, is a player he knows well having come up against him in Super Rugby, where the new Wales No 15 played for both the Auckland Blues and Waikato Chiefs.
“I played 15 against the Waratahs once, and he climbed all over me on the high balls a few times,” recalled the 24-year-old Anscombe.
“We know the dangers we face, but with the back-line we’ve got, hopefully we can cause a few problems.”
The Cardiff Blues back, primarily a fly-half, added: “Aussie sides are very smart in terms of how they play tactically, and they don’t miss a beat.
“They like to use the ball, and they have looked pretty sharp. We will have to be on our toes defensively to not give them too many opportunities.
“It’s a big game for this team. We want to finish top of the pool and stamp our authority. The team is confident, and it’s a huge occasion on the weekend.”
Anscombe will look to bolster a back division where powerful wing George North has been moved to inside centre to form an all British and Irish Lions midfield pairing with Jamie Roberts.
“I am just happy to be on the park,” said North, who helped Wales get to the 2011 World Cup semi-finals.
“The last World Cup four years ago, we went in as massive underdogs,” North said.
“Nobody paid much attention to us, and we went about our work.
“This World Cup, we’ve had more coverage with the pool we are in, but to finish on top shows where we are and where we want to go.”