Scarlets Rugby Blog

Scarlets team to face Ultster @ Ravenhill

2009-09-30T13:24:00.003+01:00

Friday Oct 2nd at 1905:-

15 Priestland, 14 Lamont, 13 Maule, 12 Davies, 11 Williams, 10 Jones, 9 Roberts, 1 I Thomas, 2 Rees, 3 R Thomas, 4 Cooper, 5 Reed, 6 Jones, 7 Edwards, 8 Lyons (c)

Replacements: 16 John, 17 Owens, 18 Welch, 19 Turnbull, 20 Pugh, 21 Evans, 22 Higgitt

An interesting selection. Tavis Knoyle misses out through illness after a promising debut and Dominic Day drops to the bench along with Daniel Evans and Ken Owens. It's great to see the Lions back in the team though, a much needed boost in quality.

Priestland moving to Full Back is another interesting move. He did OK there last season with a few run-outs at 15, it could suit him.

Stevo!

2009-09-30T10:31:00.002+01:00

What a huge boost it would be to see Stephen Jones back in Scarlet this weekend. The one thing we have sorely missed so far this season is a reliable goal kicker. Just think if we had kicked that conversion at Cardiff last weekend. A kickable penalty followed shortly after but we were 4 points behind.

Jones is also the commander of the backs. Not having a 'controller' at 9 or 10 has meant that much of our game has been extremely disjointed or misguided.

Being a forward myself it's almost soul destroying to put in all the effort only for your ten to give possession away cheaply or to have the chance you have earned for three points kicked wide. Stephen Jones gives you much more consistency if your a forward or a back and is also a solid defender - a real team player.

He showed on the Lions tour how much he can bring to a team. He may not have the 'spark' of a player like James Hook or the flamboyancy of Fredrik Michalak, but I know which 10 I'd rather have on my team. With the Heineken Cup fast approaching, getting Jones on the pitch is a MUST for us!

Cardiff Blues 19 - 15 Scarlets

2009-09-27T16:51:00.004+01:00

Totally out muscled I'd say. The Scarlets were beaten by a stronger, more experienced Blues team in a game plagued by errors and bad decision making.

I'm a little confused as to what the Scarlets are trying to achieve with the kicking game being used currently. Last night at the new City of Cardiff Stadium, both Rhys Priestland and Daniel Evans continued to kick possession away without much chance of a chase. The majority of kicks ended up with the Scarlets losing territory, adding to the difficulty of beating a Blues team whose pack was clearly on top.

The Blues started brightest, scoring in the first half through Paul Tito who finished off a lovely move, started by Richard Mustoe. Mustoe broke through an attempted tackle from Johnathon Davies and continued by running over Daniel Evans. A quick sweeping move to get the ball out wide gave Tito the chance to fall over the line.

The Scarlets rallied late in the first half but couldn't break down the Blues. A pattern which continued long into the second half before a dubious David Lyons try rewarded the battling Scarlets' efforts. With hardly any time to breathe it was Rhys Priestland's turn to spot a gap in the Blues defence left by Sam Norton-Knight and ex-Scarlet Gavin Evans. Priestland carved through linking up with Gareth Maule on the way before the scoring pass was given to Johnathon Davies who ran in another superb try.

What was evident to me is that the Scarlets are lacking real firepower up front. Too many time the ball is turned over and there is a clear inability to compete at rucks without the likes of Dafydd Jones and Simon Easterby, the latter leaving the pitch early carrying an injury.

I'm probably more concerned about how our European campaign will go after this match as some of our weaknesses were clearly exposed by a poor Blues team.

Two legends at work.

2009-09-25T09:36:00.001+01:00

One of my favourite videos, Scarlets legend Ray Gravell and chef Keith Floyd at Kidwelly RFC. Two people who thoroughly enjoyed what they did and it was great to watch them do so.

Scarlets team v Blues

2009-09-24T15:55:00.003+01:00

September 26th 6.30PM @ City of Cardiff Stadium:

Scarlets: 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Mark Jones (c), 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Lou Reed,
5 Dominic Day, 6 Simon Easterby, 7 Richie Pugh, 8 David Lyons.

Reps - 16 Phil John, 17 Matthew Rees, 18 Vernon Cooper, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Dan Newton, 22 Lee Williams.

That doesn't give us a whole lot of options if the backs aren't functioning. The halfbacks need strong games here as the forwards are in with a good chance of getting amongst their Blues counterparts.

The Full Moon!

2009-09-24T10:05:00.004+01:00

I have to commend Rupert Moon and Paul Sergeant on their work so far down at Parc y Scarlets. Since taking up their positions both have shown a great desire to succeed in their roles and are looking to ensure the Scarlets tradition of being a successful rugby club on and off the field continues.

After playing his part in the glory of the early nineties through to when the Scarlets began 'bearing the flag' for the Welsh in Europe, Moony cemented his place as a Scarlet legend and is now looking to continue that status as a member of the management team.

He now faces the challenge of revitalising an historically lacklustre marketing department at the Scarlets. Getting the 'buzz' back in the region will surely be Moon's main concern as crowd numbers are worryingly low, a knock-on effect from poor performances and possibly a reminder that Scarlets fan like to feel part of the club, something which doesn't seem to have been taken into account in recent seasons.

Sergeant, who made his name in Wales by overlooking a successful period as Chief Executive of the Millennium Stadium, has all the experience necessary to get the best out of the new stadium. Welsh Rugby's jumper connoisseur Sergeant also went onto become general manager of the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia before deciding it was time to head back to Wales.

One thing that stands out is the effort both are making to connect with fans again. Both have recently appeared on Scarlet Fever to take part in on-line question and answer sessions, answering openly and honestly any concerns us fans have. Both have also appeared regularly in and around Parc y Scarlets on match days and at organised events, again giving their views on matters important to the people supporting the Scarlets.

It's all a bit too promising if you ask me!

To the Metropolis...

2009-09-23T15:58:00.004+01:00

We stand a chance for this one. After a decent start to the season a visit to the new City of Cardiff Stadium has probably come at just the right time. The Blues look quite disinterested in the Magners League at the moment, it will be interesting to see if that lack of momentum comes back to bite them in the early rounds of the Heineken Cup. Harlequins, Sale and Toulouse all play in intense competitions so it will be tough for the Blues from the off.

So, will the Blues up their game now that the Heineken Cup is fast approaching? If so, it will be quite interesting to see how the Scarlets adapt. Although fairly entertaining, the games so far have been rather lacklustre on the whole. A good win v Leinster has been followed by two defeats, at Glasgow and the painful defeat at home to Munster. With Stephen Jones' return imminent and the return of Lions team-mate Matthew Rees to come, can the Scarlets really compete in Europe and can they compete if the Blues decide now is the time to start putting performances together?

I'd suggest that the experience gained so far from the young team should stand the Scarlets in good stead to compete at least. We have a decent squad full of local talent and some experience, not as much as the likes of local rival The Ospreys or the Blues, but still enough so that teams will be taking us seriously and for us to expect a few 'big' wins.

The West Wales Derby

2009-04-17T15:09:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow sees Parc y Scarlets host it's first west Wales derby match between the Scarlets and Ospreys. With 11,000 tickets apparently being sold it promises to be a memorable occasion - but possibly for the wrong reasons. Both teams have named relatively weak squads for one reason or another and both have just recorder arguably their worst defeat of the season.

The Ospreys come to y Parc still fresh from the agony of their Thomond Park massacre at the hands of Munster and the Scarlets enter the game after an embarrassing loss to Glasgow on home soil.

The Teams:

Scarlets:

Rhys Priestland; Mark Jones, Jon Davies, Gavin Evans, Daniel Evans; Stephen Jones (capt), Martin Roberts; Phil John, Matthew Rees, Deacon Manu, Vernon Cooper, Dominic Day, Josh Turnbull, Dafydd Jones, David Lyons.

Replacements: Iestyn Thomas, Mahonri Schwalger, Aaron Shingler, Rob McCusker, Gavin Cattle, Lee Williams, Rob Higgitt.

Ospreys:

Gareth Owen; Tommy Bowe, Sonny Parker, Jonathan Spratt, Shane Williams; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Cai Griffiths, Filipo Levi, Andy Lloyd, Tom Smith, Marty Holah, Ryan Jones (capt).

Replacements: Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Steve Tandy, Rhys Webb, James Hook, Lee Byrne.

Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)

Both teams appear to have made quite a few questionable selections although I'm sure the players will be looking to improve on recent performances.

Braid signing in Limbo all of a sudden...

2009-04-15T14:30:00.003+01:00

Now this is something the Scarlets could probably do without. Whilst Daniel Braid has confirmed his move to Wales it is understood that the Scarlets are yet to have confirmed the signing due to the contracts not being finalised.

Although the signs are promising, with Braid looking very positive about the move, more bad press is not the best marketing tool for the derby at the weekend. The 'national' paper of wales has jumped straight onto the 'Scarlets are a shambles' bandwagon to criticise the situation.

On a more positive note, David Lemi is still being linked to the Scarlets who are reported to be ready to outbid a 'host of English Clubs to secure his services. He'd definitely be a useful addition to our backline which has looked a little stationary of late.

Link 1 Link 2

Croeso Daniel Braid!

2009-04-14T11:35:00.003+01:00

The deal to bring Daniel Braid to the Scarlets has finally been agreed. Braid, 28, has revealed that he has signed a deal to bring him to Parc y Scarlets next season seeing him link up with former All-Blacks Regan King and Kees Meeuws. Braid has also revealed that Deacon Manu has been keeping him up-to-date with the latest news from Wales via Facebook. Link

The news gives us fans a huge boost after the disappointment of this season, but maybe, just maybe, it's a sign of more promising things to come. A back-row consisting of Simon Easterby/Dafydd Jones, Daniel Braid and David Lyons has plenty enough to compete in the Heineken Cup. Second-row recruitment must now be a priority as a decent front-five will allow that back-row to cause havoc.

Time for blind optimism once more...

Where do we go from here?

2009-04-06T14:12:00.002+01:00

A few sections of the Welsh media will no doubt be enjoying this. One of Wales' stand alone 'regions' struggling to get it right on and off the field. Of course, they'd be right to question the direction of the Scarlets. None of us could guess the next move of what appears to be a shambolic excuse for a professional rugby outfit currently.

In front of yet another disappointing crowd I, along with a few thousand other Scarlets fans, witnessed possibly the worst defeat since professional rugby began in West Wales. It wasn't in terms of the scoreline, but the manner in which the team lost was enough to send home the majority with over 20 minutes still remaining. A chorus of 'boos' sounded around Parc y Scarlets as the team walked off the pitch.

Where was the pride? Where was the commitment? Where was the plan? Most importantly, where do we go from here?

Nigel Davies commented on Scrum V that if we're looking for someone to blame, then blame him. Ultimately, he is the guy responsible for motivating the players, installing the game plan and ensuring that we have the structures in place on the field to eventually win the game. Can he take us forward? By now we should surely be seeing his influence on the team given that he is approaching a full year in charge. As of yet, we haven't seen any positives during his reign.

Unless we sign a few players with the ability to change the way we play then we have to fear for the future of the Scarlets. The recruitment over the last 5 or so years has been diabolical on the whole, wasting money and putting the club in a desperate light.

Off the pitch we're looking more and more amateur as the days go by. Stories of elementary mistakes in the marketing, a business plan which appears to have been out of touch with reality, especially when it comes to pricing structures and to top it all off, we've no idea of who the next CEO will be. If anyone is listening, please give us something to perk us up a bit!

Scarlets team for Glasgow named

2009-04-03T11:42:00.003+01:00

Scarlets team to face Glasgow on 4th April 2009 is:

15 Daniel Evans
14 Mark Jones
13 Jon Davies
12 Gavin Evans
11 Dafydd James
10 Stephen Jones (Capt.)
9 Martin Roberts

1 Iestyn Thomas
2 Matthew Rees
3 Deacon Manu
4 Vernon Cooper
5 Dominic Day
6 Josh Turnbull
8 David Lyons
7 Dafydd Jones

Reps - 16 Phil John, 17 Ken Owens, 18 Lou Reed, 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Gavin Cattle, 21 Rhys Priestland, 22 Darren Daniel.

Borat to visit Y Parc?

2009-04-02T13:10:00.002+01:00

I have to say I'm fairly happy that the Welsh Under-21's International went well at Parc y Scarlets this week. Wales ran out 5-1 winners against Luxembourg U21's in Parc y Scarlets first ever Football match.

It now looks likely that the 'experiment' will continue as the FAW have shown interest in using the ground for Wales' home friendly v Kazakhstan.

Now, I say I'm 'fairly' happy with this as I'm a passionate rugby fan and am already a little possessive over Y Parc. However, I do enjoy a little round-ball and being a proud Welsh man it's great to see a full international being planned for the ground. Of course, this also means a much needed extra revenue stream is created for the Scarlets and if the rumours are true, we need it.

Interestingly, it may be the first opportunity we get to see the extra seating installed depending on how ticket sales go for the Scarlets v Ospreys game on April 18th.

Yesh Mesh.

Scarlets v Glasgow

2009-03-31T16:24:00.003+01:00

At last, our welsh international return from Six Nations Duty - Stephen Jones, Mark Jones, Matthew Rees and Dafydd Jones all return bringing a much needed boost after the news that Simon Easterby will now be injured for most of the season.

Martin Roberts looks set to return after the rib injury he suffered but no news yet on Regan King yet so it looks likely that he'll sit this one out.

Hopefully we'll see Nigel Davies fielding his strongest possible side as a good performance along with a win will help boost the low morale amongst the fans.

This game gives Daniel Evans a big chance if selected at full-back. He's looked dangerous the last few weeks and with Morgan Stoddart out after his horrific injury, Evans has a chance to shine at 15. Definitely one for the future.

Get Braid, not Waugh!

2009-03-31T09:52:00.006+01:00

The Scarlets have ruled out a move for Phil Waugh, possibly due to his alleged wage demands being too high. Waugh is still reported to be looking at a move to the Northern Hemisphere and will no doubt be an asset to whichever club he decides on moving to.

The Scarlets must now sign Daniel Braid. He's been impressive at this seasons Super 14 and looks like the type of player the Scarlet back-row have been missing, a clever openside who pops up all over the place.

Braid's stock is rising by the week, if the deal isn't done yet he too could be demanding a good chunk of the salary pot, sign him now!

Richie Pugh is a decent player, but we will not compete with the likes of Munster, Toulouse or even Cardiff Blues if we don't sign some quality.

Gavin Thomas and Simon Maling released.

2009-03-30T19:58:00.005+01:00

Looks like the 26-week clause does exist then! The Scarlets have announced the departure of Gavin Thomas and Simon Maling, both have been injured for most of the season. Link

With Gavin Evans also released you'd have to wonder how much money has been freed up to recruit new players. Rumours are gathering pace, the Parc y Scarlets Car Park is filling up and now the money should be available. I say should as you can never tell!

Gavin Thomas has been a great servant over the last few years and an underrated Regional openside. He's had some storming games for the Scarlets and has put in many seasons of consistent work playing 93 games and scoring 9 tries.

For all the promise Simon Maling showed at the beginning of the season he was hit by injury, possibly a combination of wear and tear and a lack of conditioning after his time in Japan. Maling only made 9 appearances, 1 of which was as a replacement and many others ending in injury.

We now have to make sure the money is spent wisely. Rhys Thomas and Richie Pugh are both handy signings but we need a tough second row, an openside capable of turning the game and more cover and class to operate in the backline.

Who will and who won't?

2009-03-30T11:11:00.004+01:00

Lots of rumours seem to be gathering pace at the moment, Rhys Thomas has been confirmed and names mentioned being:

Daniel Braid, who's been in impressive form so far for the Queensland Reds. Seems he'd be a perfect acquisition given that we haven't really seen a 7 play in the Scarlets shirt for a while. Since Gavin Thomas' injury Easterby and Dafydd Jones have filled the 7 shirt, both of whom are more suited to Blind-side. Braid would be in a different league to Thomas.
In another league again is Phil Waugh. Lots of rumours flying around in the Southern Hemisphere regarding his future but it's more than likely that he'll be costing too much. No doubt he'd be a class act in the Scarlet jersey though. Keep talking to him Lyno!
Daniel Halangahu, a player who has come to life this season given Kurtley Beale's inconsistent form. Another 'NWQ' but his current form suggests he'd be a good signing. Also reported to have been to Y Parc to watch a game.
David Lemi, Bristol's dazzling wing, has also been rumoured. It could definitely spark some life into the back line which has looked laboured at times this season.

Each of these would bring much needed depth, along with the youngsters coming through such as Daniel Evans, Jon Davies, who has established himself at 12, Lou Reed, Josh Turnbull and anyone else who fancies putting their hand up for contention!

The New Guys: Kees Meeuws

2008-08-01T16:31:00.003+01:00

Kees Junior Meeuws, or 'News' to his rugby playing friends, is hopefully going to be the solution to the Scarlets' tight head problems.

34 year-old Meeuws has impressed so far in pre-season training giving much hope to the new look squad as they prepare for the coming season.

With 45 All Black caps to his name, the ex-Castres player certainly brings a wealth of experience to Stradey and on to Parc y Scarlets. Many people have asked the question of whether Meeuws is now too old, or possibly here just for financial gain, but just taking a look at some of the Scarlets pre-season training videos show just why Meeuws is held in such high regard. Commitment, determination and powerful are three words which jump straight out to describe him.

So, what difference will he make? Meeuws will be taking over the tight-head spot from Deacon Manu, who struggled at times last season. Many people thought Manu looked too 'lightweight' compared to previous seasons and will hopefully bulk up for the coming campaign to provide essential depth. Meeuws is a totally different animal. He's a mountain of a man with a much more fierce game style. If Meeuws plays with a fraction of the ferocity and passion he showed with the All Blacks, the Scarlets will be very pleased.

Meeuws has the ability to secure the Scarlets' scrum which seemed to free-wheel at points last season, something which hindered the sublime back-play we're used to seeing at times.

Obviously he's not the total solution, but Meeuws will have a big part to play if the Scarlets are to launch an attack on any competition this season.

FULL NAME Kees Junior Meeuws
BORN Friday, 26 July 1974 in Auckland
AGE 34
PHYSICAL 1.83m, 121kg
POSITION Prop
PROVINCES Otago, Auckland
SUPER 12 TEAM Blues
RUGBY NICKNAME News
ALL BLACK DEBUT Saturday, 29 August 1998v Australia at Sydney

Profile: John Muggleton

2008-07-31T15:26:00.003+01:00

'To be prepared is half the victory' (Miguel de Cervantes)

John Muggleton is truly a world class coach. A former Rugby League player with Parramatta Eeels the new Scarlets coach has learnt about defense the hard way. Playing Rugby league in Australia means he knows what is involved when having structured defensive systems and he also knows just how much physical effort it takes to implement.

That is where the preparation comes into it. You just have to look at Wales' Grand Slam success to see how important preparation is when competing with the best. John Muggleton has spent the last ten years preparing Australia's defense to compete with the like of New Zealand and South Africa year on year and has also been a major part in the their World Cup success, only conceding 1 try in 1999's competition.

Sydney-born Muggleton will no doubt be missing his homeland when he arrives in Wales. He recently applied for Eddie Jones' old job with the Wallabies which was eventually given to Robbie Deans. The opportunity which now sits in-front of him will be of different proportions altogether but the size of the challenge remains. Muggleton has been given the job of turning the Scarlets' leaky defence around, which was the cause of ending the season with one of the worst defensive records in the Magners League and Heineken Cup.

Although he has not arrived yet, the Scarlets await Muggleton's new regime with anticipation. Currently, the squad are being put through their paces by another Sydney-born coach, Brad Harrington and his assistant Ryan Campbell. Harrington was part of the successful Waratahs set-up in this years Super 14 and will no doubt be looking forward to working with his fellow countryman given his impressive reputation.

What will be interesting to see is how the squad react to Muggleton's coaching style. Renowned for being a straight talking coach, the Scarlet players will be expected to put more effort in than ever before if they are to gain the respect of the new man.

Australian Rugby Chief holds Muggleton in high regard with this particular quote proving that the Scarlets will be learning quite a few new things.

"But I think John Muggleton, with his particular skills and unique ways of getting the message across, will ensure that the Wallabies' defensive pattern is back to where it should be." (O'Neill on Muggleton after the Australian Super 12 teams underperformed in 2003)

Fans and Players will be looking forward to Muggleton's arrival in the next few weeks and will wait with expectation to see the results of the new regime as the season progresses.

Lyons ready to make his mark

2008-07-29T13:23:00.004+01:00

The highest profile signing since Stephen Jones made his return from Clermont arrived at Stradey Park this week. David Lyons, the 44-cap Australia international, appears to be raring to go after signing from the New South Wales Waratahs.

Having already been interviewed by all sections of the media since arriving, Lyons has outlined his intent pick up silverware during his stay in Wales - with 4 years to do it you wouldn't bet against it!

I have to say, Mr Lyons looks in pretty good shape after the serious ankle injury he suffered during the World Cup. He's just the type of player the Scarlets have been missing - an out and out ball carrier with a good rugby brain and the determination to win games at all costs.

The devastating news that he had to sit out the Super 14 final against the Crusaders will no doubt motivate the big man even further to help bring in the trophies at Parc y Scarlets.

Lyons is likely to be a big hit with the Scarlets fans, who will notice that he sports the new away kit in the video interviews linked below.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7529799.stm

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/videos-and-pics/videos/

The powerful No.8 was voted to receive the John Eales Medal as Australia's best player in 2004. A medal which was stolen from him earlier this year along with a lot more memorabilia from his home in Australia. No doubt, Lyons will be determined to replace the achievements by hitting the ground running in Wales and the Heineken Cup. Could Lyons be part of the jigsaw the Scarlets need to get closer to the trophy which has eluded them and the other Welsh teams since the competition began?

Pre-season, a props nightmare!

2008-07-28T11:05:00.006+01:00

Just a matter of weeks until the new season begins which means the dreaded pre-season has arrived. Just take a trip down to Stradey and you'll see the squad being put therough their paces by the new coaching team, particularly Brad Harrington and Ryan Campbell, who specialise in fitness coaching and conditioning.

Players are being tested to their limits with much of the training seemingly developed from old fashioned methods, such as continually beating a large tyre with a sledgehammer, dragging weights around and pretty much doing anything energetic until your body gives up! It's also quite encouraging to see a prop (Kees Meeuws) apparently enjoying the training.

Conditioning will no doubt be quite a major factor in the outcome of the season, as it always is, however the added twist this time around is the introduction of ELV's, something Mr Harrington has experienced in the Super 14. Meanwhile the conditioning of the squad will be under close scrutiny for all with one of the alleged criticisms of previous coach Phil Davies being that the squad were possibly losing to much bulk after the fitness programmes.

Now that the first games at Bath and Wasps are fast approaching, it gives us fans a chance, or excuse rather, to go and visit Bath and London (well, Wycombe). Tickets are now available from the Bath and Wasps ticket lines with advanced booking discounts also available.

Ooohhh, the excitement!

2008-07-25T16:37:00.004+01:00

Long time, no see, eh?

Lots of progression since the last post on here, thankfully, so it's onwards and upwards.

Driving past the new stadium makes you realise just how privileged we are in Llanelli. Brand-new, pretty stunning, state of the art stadium to watch our favourite team clash with the heavyweights of Europe. We're all sad to see the end of Stradey Park closing in, so many occasions, such emotion and a whole host of achievements through the decades all echo around the four stands.

The time has come to begin something else though, something very special, something modern yet steeped in history and culture and something to continue the proud tradition of the Scarlets and the fans.

Just watching the video at http://www.scarlets.co.uk/ makes you realise how much history could be made at Parc y Scarlets, just as it was a Parc y Strade. Nigel Davies has already commented on how the stadium has 'blown-away many of the players', even at this stage. So, imagine an occasion such as the Heineken Cup Quarter finals, 15,000 in attendance and a whole new buzz around Llanelli and the ground.

We're ready...

5 Scarlets make the squad.

2008-01-14T16:05:00.000+00:00

28-man Welsh Squad for 6 Nations:

Backs: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), James Hook (Ospreys), Stephen Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester).

Forwards: Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Delve (Gloucester), Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).

Martyn Williams has surprised a few people after a short international retirement. No doubt Gatland recognised the weakness at openside flanker and pleaded with Williams to come back, at least for this 6 nations championship.

Not really any surprises apart from that, Gareth Delve earns a welcome return after injury with some powerful displays in the Gloucester shirt and Jamie Roberts gets a well earned call up for some solid performances at the Blues. No doubt both will be eager to impress and get into the starting line-up at Twickenham. Both have a pretty good chance!

As far as the Scarlets contingent goes, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, Alix Popham, Dwayne Peel and Matthew Rees all keep their places. Iestyn Thomas may feel aggrieved to have missed out, although he did face competition from some decent loose-head props and Morgan Stoddart, after an impressive debut, misses out, possibly due to Jamie Roberts having a more rounded full-back game.

Wasps 40 - Scarlets 7 :-(

2008-01-14T15:40:00.000+00:00

Not a great day for the Scarlets at Adams Park, conceding 6 tries with only one in return. Things were looking a little more promising at 12 - 7 but Wasps power came through to hand out a lesson to the young Scarlets team.

I don't think too many people expected the scoreline to fluctuate much from the end result and there is no doubt that the guys on the field gave 100% with some heroic defending as they were under pressure for almost 80 minutes. Lawrence Dallaglio pretty much summed things up in his interview with the BBC, saying 'Llanelli obviously didn't bring their strongest side but I thought we played very professionally and showed we can play for 80 minutes.'

Not wanting to dwell on negatives, but it was the brute strength of the Wasps pack which provided a platform - against a Scarlets pack which has been struggling in the Heineken Cup all season - to give their backs the chance to put together some silky running and a few nice tries.

Onto the positives! Rhys Priestland looked quite comfortable on a stage which could have been overwhelming for many young outside halves. Priestland could have a big future in the Scarlets jersey and is obviously picking up some good pointers from Stephen Jones.

Iestyn Thomas managed another valiant performance but was unfortunately alongside front-rowers who aren't of a high enough standard to back him up.

For Wasps, James Haskell proved how important he will be not only for Wasps in this years Heineken Cup and Guinness Premiership, but for England in the Six Nations.

Once again it appears to be the same story of lacking strength in depth and having players who, although give their all, aren't quite up to the pace and intensity of Europe's premier club competition.

Want to play for Wales? then play in Wales!

2008-01-11T16:47:00.000+00:00

No doubt this will give Mr Gatland far more time with his players and flexibility between the regions and the national team, ensure the best players stay in Wales whilst their interested in international rugby and ensures a competitive nature throughout the regional system, but this raises a whole host of other issues...

Will this mean we have too small a player base by only being able to choose from 4 teams? Will it create the basis for a Magners 'A' league? Will players retire from International rugby early...a la New Zealand? Will overseas teams simply outbid the Welsh regions on wages to effectively force players into international retirement and weaken our national side? The questions will keep coming.

What we can determine from this is that it's risky. If the WRU decide to implement this, all sorts of problems could become apparent with players leaving and Wales being in more trouble. It may work in New Zealand, but that's a different environment altogether in terms of how young players are brought through the system, the different cultures and the fact that they are in a far better position to challenge for major trophies with a system that enables youngsters to develop into stars far more effectively. The downside is of course, players leaving early to find bigger wages in order to fund their lengthy retirements.

The upside of course is that it could work for future development. If Wales are to become a rugby super-power, maybe its a risk like this that will breed the competitive culture where only the best can make it?

I'd rather see the WRU focus on supporting it's regions and creating a playing environment which is filled with competitiveness, discipline and gives the platform for a successful national team...