Lee Byrne to Miss the Autumn Internationals

Home » Featured, Heineken Cup, International, News

Lee Byrne to Miss the Autumn Internationals

No Comment

Well it was the news we had all feared. Well I had anyway. Lee Byrne’s recurrence of his foot injury has ruled him out of playing for Wales in the 2009 Autumn Internationals, including games against New Zealand and Australia.

The foot injury, whilst not as serious as some were suggesting, has ruled him out for 8 weeks – 6 of which will see him in plaster. As one of the worlds best full backs and a rock at the back for both the Ospreys and Wales he will be sorely missed.

“Lee was reviewed by a specialist last night, and he had a scan which has revealed ligament damage in his right foot.

“The problem is a fairly subtle issue, however, with the nature of the ligaments involved, there is no quick fix and to rush him back would be counter productive in the long term.

“He is essentially looking at a period of rest, in plaster, for approximately six weeks, followed by a period of rehabilitation to get him up and running and back on the field.

Lee Byrne’s Replacement?

Lee-Byrne
Worrying to is the question of who will replace him. There is a lack of experienced back up at full back available, with Gavin Henson off indefinitely and Morgan Stoddart injured (although realistically having him missing is not the biggest loss with big question marks still over his defence).

So who does that leave? Well relatively experienced (despite his age) Welsh and Lions man Jamie Roberts started off his career as a 15 and was seen by many to be the natural successor to Byrne until Gatlands very successful experiment at moving him to inside center. With James Hook stepping up to the mark at inside center for the Ospreys this season it could be a way of getting our best players on the park – but moving one of the most potent weapons in the Welsh backline seems a tad counter productive.

James Hook can also play there, having started at 15 in the same test that Jamie Roberts was trialled as a center (vs South Africa). He also filled in there for the Ospreys last week when Byrne went off injured, but he lacks game time and experience as the last man.

Who else? Well top of the list is probably Scarlets full back Dan Evans. He got capped on the Welsh tour to North America this year and has been in exceptional form for a hit and miss Scarlet side. he has been many peoples tip to be this years ‘Halfpenny’, stepping up whilst relatively young. He certainly looks composed, has a kicking game and solid in defence. Would probably be my first choice.

Other options include two very talented players in Gareth Owen, the Ospreys utility back, and Jason Tovey, the Dragons 10/15. But both lack game time this season. Barry Davies also provides back up at the Ospreys and is certainly experienced, with a Welsh cap and having played abroad.

But for me it is a question of blooding a youngster, and that looks best served as Dan Evans. Better to include a youngster in what will be a steady backline and build form a position of strength, than throw in an average performer like Barry Davies and hope that we can slowly develop some youngsters. If it were throwing them to the wolves then choose the seasoned campaigner, but we should be strong enough that we can allow a youngster a position, and Dan Evans looks to me to have all the ability needed to make the step up as a tested back up to Lee Byrne.

Did you know you could get a FREE Welsh Rugby Blog newsletter delivered straight to your inbox? Simply enter your details here.

You can also follow us on Twitter and on Facebook now. Isn't technology wonderful!