I WAS delighted to see some of the new names in the Wales squad this week, but it’s a more familiar face who I’m looking forward to seeing most against Scotland a week on Saturday.
The selection of in-form players James Davies and Josh Adams is to be applauded. Warren Gatland’s squad needs freshening up and these two will certainly do that because they deserve a chance to make the step up to international level and show what they can do.
Wales have some cards up their sleeve which they can play in this Six Nations and that’s an exciting place to be. But, for me, the key to our tournament hopes is Justin Tipuric.
Of course one player can’t carry the hopes of a nation and Wales are far from a one-man team, but I can’t wait to see Justin in action over the next few weeks for a few reasons. The first of which is that he’s now fully fit. Justin struggled in the autumn with injuries and we barely saw him in action.
Now, it’s different. Justin is back and firing on all cylinders and he’s been playing for an Ospreys team which has found its form in recent weeks, especially in Europe. That will give him plenty of confidence.
I think the way Justin plays the game is perfect for Wales’ new style of play. We’ve talked till we’re blue in the face about Warren’s change of approach and the switch to a wider, more attacking game. There were certainly positives to take from the autumn in that regard, though there were a few sticking points in terms of the interaction between backs and forwards.
This story is from the January 21, 2018 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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 January 21, 2018 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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
Morris hat-trick lifts Steelmen
HOOKER Ieuan Morris came off the bench to settle matters for Ebbw Vale at Carmarthen Quins with his stunning second half hat-trick completing a 39-11 victory in Super Rygbi Cymru.
Joe keen to follow in family footsteps
JOE Ford is leading the charge to take Doncaster Knights to the promised land but says they have a long way to go before that becomes reality.
Robson keen to make it to the top with Coventry
COVENTRY ended the first five-match block of fixtures as the Championship’s only unbeaten side and full-back Charlie Robson has his sights set on promotion, and eventually playing for England.
Hancox joins the 200 club
AFTER 10 years of donning the red, black and yellow shirt for Bournemouth, skipper Grant Hancox made his 200th appearance this month after their Regional 2 South Central clash against Winchester.
Bear keen to be a big hit Down Under
FORMER Cornish Pirates back row Bear Williams has flourished in making the difficult transition from rugby union to league and has plans to play in Australia’s NRL. `
To play in two World Cups was a dream
RUGBY started quite late for me.
Call time on this pantomime ploy
THIS 60-second shot clock twaddle. If we must continue to plough down this blind alley it needs to apply from the moment the referee awards the penalty. If the authorities are going to put some stick about at least do it properly and with conviction.
Coetzee's pulling his weight again
WHETHER he starts or comes off the bench, Jaco Coetzee is just happy to be contributing fully to Bath’s revival after an injury-hit start to his career in blue, black and white.
Murray's on a wing - and a prayer ...
BLAIR Murray began the week ‘in a state of shock’ at having gone from nowhere on one side of the world to the starting grid for the autumn Tests on the other.
We need to kick on after winning at last
Paul Rees talks to Ethan Grayson who heard from two rugby legends after he helped Newcastle end their 25-match losing run