Blues fly-half: Rhys Patchell
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Former Welsh back Jonathan Davies believes Wales should not include Cardiff Blues young playmaker Rhys Patchell in their Six Nations squad.
Patchell, 19, has been in great form for the Blues and was key to the region in their most recent PRO12 victory away to Munster on Saturday.
But pundit Davies is eager for Wales not to throw him into the Test XV as Wales look to cope with a host of injuries to their Grand Slam line-up.
"It wouldn't be a good idea to throw him [Patchell] in while Wales are under this pressure in the Six Nations," Davies told Scrum V.
"I have no doubt he will play for Wales and he'll have a long and distinguished career at regional and international level.
"But at the moment leave him to learn his trade at this level.
"He has got a bit about him. He does communicate, he shouts and screams at people - you need a bit of edge at stand-off.
"But let's calm down a little bit now. He is 19, Biggar and Hook are above him in the pecking order.
Comments
makemehappy says...
@jontheref - the RWC (shocking), how many intercepts can you recall in the previous couple of years, how many missed tackles can you think of (loads) - just watch him against Argentina. I trust you were joking with your query as its hard to recall a game against a good team where he didn't make a huge error.
Posted 13:25 08th January 2013
KingShark says...
Good enough = old enough. BUT is he a James o' Connor, Eben Etsebeth, Beauden Barrett, Pat Lambie, or Frans Steyn type talent that can impress in a national side at a very young age?
Posted 10:05 08th January 2013
heathy says...
I agree with Jonathan Davies (and jontheref). Patchell is a good prospect but not ready for international rugby just yet. He is consistent and has got a big boot but in all fairness he hasn't set the world alight. He is also still young and needs a couple more seasons with Cardiff before anything else is considered. He is only being talked about because Wales are really struggling for an obvious choice for FH. James Hook has gone to France and that must be the ONLY reason why he hasn't been considered. He would have been my choice ages ago as Priestland has been below par for some time now. Wales are also struggling up front and as long as this is the case then the last thing Wales need is a young rookie fly half. For me it's Hook then Biggar then pray. Lydiate can't come back soon enough nor can Adam Jones and George North as these were missed badly of late. Then Wales need the form of Jenkins, Rees, A-W Jones, Falatau, Warburton, Phillips and Roberts to return ASAP or it's going to be another long season for the Welsh. Can't see Wales getting above 4th in the 6N ATM.
Posted 09:47 08th January 2013
NHsaints says...
I seriously think Biggar is the man for wales, before he went off injured vs Samoa he was having a really good game and his club form is impeccable, Priestland was never really a ten so he needs a little bit of slack, Hook I'm not so sure about, yes he'd be solid but he's nothing spectacular...lastly Patchell will be picked for the wider squad (at least) and that's not a bad thing but he can't be shoved into the starting lineup or even the 22 yet, on that I agree with Davies.
Posted 08:03 08th January 2013
Sincero says...
That lad seems a prospect... impressive game in Limerick. Could be a fine player in the making there. Bit early to drop him into the 6N, though...
Posted 02:56 08th January 2013
jontheref says...
makemehappy
Can you tell me when Hook has let wales down?
First choice 10 for 2008 GS.
Made a utility player in was it 2009?
Messed about ever since.
Priestland has not had a good game for Wales since the Irish game on February 5th, 2012 in Dublin.
So 11 games of below standard performance.
I wish Hook had been given this luxuary of support.
Melkdave, Biggar does not get the ospreys backs moving, it is the forwards winning the games.
The amount of ball the O's backs have, and what they do with it, is criminal.
But, then you don't see these games do you?
Posted 19:43 07th January 2013
melkdave says...
It will be Bigger starting at 10 for Wales in te 6Ns ,his in form and gets the Ospreys backline moving.R.Preistland lets remember wasnt even considered for FH,till S.Jones pulled out injured just before the start of a match.He was orignally going to be playing FB.He was pushed into being FHbecause iirc Hook wasnt even in the 22 for that match,and only FB because M.Stoddart had broken his leg.That it worked for Wales so well was a surprise to everyone including the management imo.Now people wonder why his playing badly ,R.Preistland is a good ultility back ,not a specialist FH always has been.
Posted 14:59 07th January 2013
makemehappy says...
Realistically he's going to in the wider squad. Biggar first choice, Hook back up (even though he's let down Wales more times than Priestland), and then its Patchell. He seems like a good prospect for next year. Played well against Munster.
Posted 13:15 07th January 2013
rustytrumpet says...
jontheref
Totally agree with you. Howley has no experience at coaching at club level.
which really shows now he's coaching (aparently) the national team.
God knows why he's going on the Lions tour.
I also agree that Hook should be gievn a crack.
Posted 12:21 07th January 2013
jontheref says...
The problem at no 10 for Wales is not the players.
It is the selection.
As Jonathan commented, persevering with Priestland through 10 poor performances has meant there is no tried back up.
Comes down to take a punt with Biggar, or go outside Wales to France for James Hook.
Howley has to eat his words and back Hook, but I don't think Howley is man enough to do it.
What a wasted 8 months with Howley in charge.
Posted 10:25 07th January 2013