Wales itching to put World Cup displays right, says Kopczak

Huddersfield prop Craig Kopczak feels that Wales were not far away from enjoying a successful World Cup, despite their disappointing results.

He believes that fine margins divided success from failure, with key incidents in games not going the way of the Celts when it counted.

“We were so nearly there,” he told Love Rugby League.

“There were opportunities we didn’t take, that if we had taken, games would have been a lot different.

“The Italy game, for example, if we had taken some of those missed opportunities then it could have been a different result.

“But everybody wanted to put the red shirt back on, go out there, and replay the game.

“It was disappointing, but we will learn from it, and next time round we hope we can put it right.”

The passionate backing of the Welsh fans at the Millennium Stadium, though, is something which will live with Kopzcak for a long time.

“It was fantastic to lead them out, and then sing that anthem,” he added.

“The crowd really got behind us, too, singing along. It put us in good stead for that game, but unfortnuately we couldn’t capitalise on it.”

“What we need in Wales is a crop of players coming through and playing regular Super League, or NRL,” he said.

“Those big games do help. You do need experienced players, and we will get them. They are coming through. We’ve got some now at Wigan, and at Widnes.

“The likes of South Wales Scorpions and North Wales Crusaders are thriving too. Once we get going again, people are going to want to put that international shirt on and get things right.”