Louis Rees-Zammit: Wales wing targets team success as top try-scorer accolade beckons

Louis Rees-Zammit is in the frame to emulate his Wales team-mate Josh Adams by being top try-scorer at a World Cup.

Rees-Zammit's hat-trick during the 43-19 Pool C win over Georgia took him to five in the tournament, one behind France's Damian Penaud.

Rees-Zammit says team success remains the goal, though he is aware of the chance to claim a personal accolade.

"It is in the back of my head, but getting wins is all that matters," the Wales wing said.

Wales are building towards a World Cup quarter-final in Marseille next Saturday against Argentina with Rees-Zammit proving to be their leading attacking option.

Adams led the way in Japan four years ago when he claimed seven tries, which was just one short of the record for most touchdowns in one World Cup which is jointly held by Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana and Julian Savea.

On Saturday Rees-Zammit has become the seventh Welshman to score three tries in a World Cup game after Adams, Glen Webbe, Ieuan Evans, Gareth Thomas, Scott Williams and Cory Allen.

It was another exhibition of the 22-year-old's dazzling finishing skills and showed why he is among the box-office attractions in world rugby.

"I would love to be top try scorer. As long as we win all the matches, that is the end goal," said Rees-Zammit.

"I am buzzing with the result, we are building nice momentum going into the quarter-finals."

Fitter and faster

Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes there is more to come from Rees-Zammit and praised his improved fitness.

"I'd like to see him with a little more ball in hand and having a bit of a crack, you see the pace he's got," said Gatland.

"He's very skilful with that kick chase and when the ball's in front of him. He's a player with a huge amount of potential going forward. He's still young and we think he can get better and better.

"The pleasing thing for him is that, and I have a joke with him every day, that he's trained every day for six weeks without missing a session.

"That was probably his downfall in the past. He'd have a sore back, or a sore calf. I don't know if he wasn't fit enough.

"We're getting the best of him by having him play and train every day. We're seeing the benefits of that. He's got a huge amount of potential as an international player which is exciting for us."

Rees-Zammit is aware of Gatland's assessment.

"I am definitely a quicker player now, I am a lot fitter as well, which means I can repeat these things," said Rees-Zammit.

"I know Gats (Gatland) has spoken about my training schedule.

"I haven't missed training for a couple of months now, which is great. I am buzzing with the way I am playing at the minute - I am trying to do everything I can to help the team."

'Wales are lucky to have him'

Wales assistant coach and attack specialist Alex King acknowledges Rees-Zammit's value ahead of the nation's fourth successive World Cup quarter-final appearance.

Rees-Zammit was the only Wales back to start all four group games, and scored tries against Fiji, Portugal and Georgia.

"We are lucky to have a player like Louis," said King.

"It's great for rugby to have these kind of stars with finishing power like that.

"He is a fantastic athlete, he is quick and his game has really come on in the last 12 months.

"It's his mindset, his attitude, his professionalism - everything you need to be a top player.

"He is still very young. He has got 30-odd caps for Wales, he has been on a British and Irish Lions tour and he just wants to get better and better.

"We want to get the ball to Louis, but it is not as simple as just giving him the ball. Defences are very good.

"His attitude has been first class. He wants to get better and better every day he turns up to work. He was great [against Georgia], and I am looking forward to Marseille next week."

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