World Cup: Calzaghe helps to inspire Wales for Fiji test

Undefeated former world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe will have played a small part in helping unbeaten Wales continue punching above their weight, should the 2011 World Cup semi-finalists move top of the so-called ‘group of death’.

If Wales see off the South Sea Islanders, then host nation England must beat Australia at Twickenham on Saturday or they will be knocked out of their own World Cup after just 15 days.

Welshman Calzaghe met the Wales squad on Tuesday, when the players were treated to a private viewing of ‘Mr Calzaghe’ – a documentary about the Newbridge fighter’s life – followed by a question and answer session.

“It was good for the boys to see the film, but also to talk to Joe and his father,” said Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde.

“It came across strongly that he has been true to his roots. He was never-say-die, always saw himself as the underdog and trained as such. He thrived on that.

“Joe stuck around and spent time answering the boys’ questions with his father. It was great for them to have some respite from rugby and to talk to one of the world’s finest sportsmen.”

One of Wales’ biggest challenges this week has been the short turnaround following their Twickenham triumph, and they will go into battle against Fiji with 12 of the starting XV retained from last Saturday.

All three of head coach Warren Gatland’s changes are injury-enforced.

Full-back Liam Williams’s absence due to concussion has opened a World Cup door for 23-year-old Bristol star Matthew Morgan, and McBryde has predicted big things from him.

Centre Tyler Morgan replaces knee injury victim Scott Williams and wing Alex Cuthbert takes over from Hallam Amos, who is sidelined from the rest of the tournament with a shoulder problem.