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Nick Tompkins says his first Rugby World Cup experience has been \u201ceverything and more\u201d as he builds towards the tournament\u2019s business end.<\/p>\n
The Wales centre has proved a stand-out performer, excelling during Pool C victories over Fiji and Australia.<\/p>\n
Tompkins\u2019 second-half try during Wales\u2019 record 40-6 victory over the Wallabies highlighted his impact as part of an impressive midfield combination alongside George North.<\/p>\n
The pair will team up again on Saturday when Wales require only a point against Georgia at Stade de la Beaujoire to win their group.<\/p>\n
With a quarter-final place already secured, attention will then turn to a likely last-eight appointment with Argentina or Japan in Marseille next week.<\/p>\n
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Wales have reached the World Cup knockout phase for a fourth successive time under head coach Warren Gatland, and Tompkins is relishing a first taste of rugby union\u2019s global spectacular.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have never experienced anything like this,\u201d Saracens star Tompkins said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe build-up, the hype, seeing how proud and pleased the families are. It has been everything and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to just keep getting better and keep pushing myself. There are a lot of things I need to improve on.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am happy with some areas, but there are some things I really need to push myself on. I hope there is more to come \u2013 I don\u2019t know where the limit is.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I want to be the best I can be, you look at some of the other centres out there in the tournament and how well they are doing, and you want to emulate that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wales have risen from the low points of a home loss to Georgia under Gatland\u2019s predecessor Wayne Pivac 11 months ago and a Six Nations campaign dominated by off-field issues to deliver an impressive World Cup showing.<\/p>\n
And Tompkins has underlined squad dynamics on and off the pitch as a key factor behind Wales\u2019 success since World Cup preparations began in late May.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing together (for five months) means you can have those little conversations and make little tweaks,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been really healthy, and it has been all of us pushing each other. We all like each other, and the atmosphere is fun as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even during some inevitably feisty moments on the training pitch, Tompkins says that humour is never far away.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have a laugh about it afterwards,\u201d he said. \u201cWhatever happens, you get laughed at afterwards, especially with this group.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can get torn to pieces at times, but that kind of thing is healthy for a group. You need it.\u201d<\/p>\n
I’ve worn wrong shirts, I think I have forgotten suit shoes before<\/p>\n
That also extends to the squad\u2019s fines committee, with Tompkins regularly on the receiving end for all kinds of misdemeanours.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI\u2019ve worn wrong shirts, I think I have forgotten suit shoes before,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was also late to one meeting and forgot my passport. I think it is because I am too laid-back.\u201d<\/p>\n