Tom Rogers reflects on impressive Wales return

Rob LloydNews

Tom Rogers believes the confidence he has gained from his Scarlets performances helped him produce his best display in a Wales jersey on Sunday.

On a tough afternoon for Wales at the Principality Stadium, the 25-year-old Cefneithin product was the shining light in a 52-20 defeat to Australia.

Rogers, winning his fifth Test cap, was imperious in the air, produced a try-saving tackle in the first half and looked dangerous on the occasions he had ball in hand.

It built on his displays in a Scarlets jersey, notably the stunning solo try against the Vodacom Bulls that was followed by another impressive finish in the win over Zebre Parma.

“I’m taking confidence from every game I play,” said Rogers, in the wake of Wales’ loss to the Wallabies.

“Whenever I have my chance I want to take it with both hands. We have had some good wins for the Scarlets which has helped and I’ve loved being back in the Wales camp and chuffed to be back out there playing at the Principality Stadium.

“Over the years at the Scarlets I’ve learned a lot from the likes of Sanj (Liam Williams) and Pence (Leigh Halfpenny). Those boys have been class.”

Wales sign off their Autumn Nations campaign against reigning back-to-back world champions South Africa on Saturday.

Rogers, who confirmed he was forced off with cramp early in the second half against Australia, added: “You always want to play against the best, it is exciting to go up against the best team in the world. We just need to focus on our game, get our heads down and work hard this week and go again.”

Rogers’s display also earned the praise of Aussie great David Campese.

The Wallaby wing legend said: “Tom Rogers on the wing caught my eye. He’s a tall lad, but as brave as hell under the high ball, made some brilliant reads in defence and put a marker down. With the new escort laws as they are, players of that stature offer a target for the touchline aerial battle and the youngster really came into his own.”