White hoping for improved performance against USA

Wales half-back Lloyd White insists he and his teammates must improve on last week’s performance against Italy to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Today’s opponents, USA have not been the pushovers that many were expecting having followed up their shock warm-up win in France with a victory over Cook Islands.

And after being downed by Italy in the opener, White knows anything less than a win will effectivley end the Welsh’s campaign.

“We’ve had our one ‘get out of jail card’ result and we need to win both of our next two games to guarantee that we get out of the group stage and into the quarter,” he admitted.

“Nothing less than our best is going to good enough this week and it’s effectively a knockout game for us now.

“It will be another difficult test because like Italy, the USA have got some great experience and some talent in their team.

“We have had a couple of days off this week after that tough loss but we’re identified some of the areas where we went wrong and we’re all rearing to go now.

“We want to leave a bit of a legacy for Wales Rugby League and the only way we can do that is by performing on the pitch.”

Over 45,000 spectators were in attendance at last weekend’s opener and White is hoping that fans, both new and old, stick by Iestyn Harris‘ side. 

“It was very emotional for the lads walking out at Cardiff last week and it was extra special for me also knowing my family was watching,” he added.

“The fans were really passionate and it’s almost impossible to describe how it felt to be singing the anthem with them. 

“Obviously this week we’re playing up north in Wrexham which I know is a growing area for the sport especially with the recent success of the Crusaders. 

“Hopefully their fans will come out and cheer us on but it’s also extra motivation for us to encourage new fans into the game and I hope that happens.”