To me Taine Basham looks like he has a very bright future ahead and I’m hugely excited by what he could go on to achieve in the game.
It’s remarkable really when you assess the options Wales have at flanker and also at No.8 right now and this isn’t a new situation either – it has been the status quo since the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Basham is the latest name to break through and he must be good if he has a fan in Sam Warburton! In my media work covering the PRO14 I have watched a lot of the Dragons and Basham is someone who always seems to stand out whatever the game situation.
That is impressive because although he is playing in a team which is improving under Dean Ryan, the Dragons are often underdogs in the matches they play. For a 20-year-old to be in that situation and still produce man-of-the-match displays is remarkable. I’m sure it won’t be too long before he is rewarded with a senior Wales cap.
I don’t know Basham personally, but I’ve heard great reports on him from the Dragons set-up. You only have to see him play to realise what he can do, but my understanding is he’s very grounded and works hard at his game. That’s good to hear because the last thing you want is for young players who have the talent to succeed at Test level to get ahead of themselves too early.
Basham is all action and I love that. He’s captained Wales U20 and played Wales Sevens, and he can play across the back row too. That could be a priceless asset moving forwards.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England show who's No.1
ENGLAND women’s head coach John Mitchell says his side will take valuable lessons from the 24-12 win over world champions New Zealand as they build towards their WXV1 title defence.
Skivington: We're going to roll dice and go for it
THE Cherry and Whites are the enigmas of the Premiership.
Looking to go one step beyond this time around
NE small step is what it will take for Bath to go one better than last season and secure the Premiership for the first time, but it would be one of the biggest taken by the club in the professional era.
Four-try England make it 17 wins on the spin
ENGLAND women opened the Allianz Stadium era at HQ with a victory over New Zealand to make it 17 wins on the bounce before their WXV title defence.
Time for Borthwick to prove his worth
HONEYMOON periods are not set in stone and in my estimation Steve Borthwick’s ends this summer. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still in good shape.
Barrington ready to power up the Mob
RICHARD Barrington has signed up to the Ampthill “Mob” reassured that he’ll still have a target on his back most weeks.
Skivington keen to build identity
GLOUCESTER won their first trophy for nine years last season and reached the Challenge Cup final, but when George Skivington went on holiday the day after the campaign ended the words in his head were never again.
Roebuck targets England success
WINNING a maiden England Test cap to top the best season of his career will not be enough for Sale winger Tom Roebuck.
Booth: Tough telling players I was leaving
TOBY Booth admits telling his Ospreys players that he would be leaving at the end of the season was one of the hardest things he has had to do in his career.
Stephens' debut try sees off old rivals
DORKING had to dig deep in another tight game between two old rivals, with the lead changing hands twice and result in doubt right up to the final whistle.