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it's All About Progression - Humphreys
3 March 2003, 11:38 am
By WRU
Wales skipper Jonathan Humphreys has given the low down on how he pumped up his team before facing England.

And now the Bath hooker is getting set to stoke up the fire in the Welsh squad ahead of Saturday's RBS Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield.

With neither side having registered a victory in the championship to date, a win will be vital to both sides. That's why Humphreys will be calling for more passion at the weekend.

"What the fans want to see is their side play with a bit of pride and honesty. I think if Wales play with that, the fans will be behind the team," said Humphreys.

"As long as they are not given a chance to have a go at players' passion and honesty, the players can never be losers."

"Steve Hansen has pleaded with the nation's fans and media to give those players the benefit of the doubt during some inevitable testing times that will arise.

"Welsh fans should be proud of the youngsters that are coming up in the game and they should allow this young side to breathe and grow...don't place the burden of expectation on them.

"Just look at them and you realise if they can be kept together and not torn apart by the media and allowed to grow, I know they'll do well.

"I sincerely hope that they go on from this Six Nations and become an awesome side, which I know they can be.

"The boys have resurrected the fans' faith. It's all about progression from this point and not necessarily results."

Humphreys knows exactly how difficult a task awaits his side in the Scottish capital having lost there in 1999.

"We expect passion from Scotland. This game has to be about how well we play and, if we play really well, we should win," said Humphreys.

"As long as our performance is better than it was against England, then great. I expect to be fit to face Scotland if Steve Hansen wants me to continue."


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