Thats right, young Welsh rugby talent is really starting to shine through.
Personally I have been getting a bit fed up of hearing about the next big thing coming from England. Danny Cipriani, Geraghty, Toby Flood, Magnus Lund… everytime you would think there was a 2nd coming. Well 3rd if you count their 2nd coming as a certain Mr Jonny Wilkinson, though as he is now Buddhist I’m not sure he would like that title.
But now we can see some real talent emerging in Wales as well. Now I am NOT saying these guys are ready for international rugby yet, but judging from recent performances it won’t be long.
- Dan Biggar. A quality 10 and it has been whispered down the Liberty for about a year or so now that he might well have more potential than the also very young James Hook. He has certainly done well in his appearences so far (friendly against Leicester aside). A great kicking game and more tactically
aware than Hook he doesn’t quite have that magic twinkle. I expect in a few years there will be great debate on whether the magic of Hook or the astute play of Biggar should be the Welsh 10. First question is, which will be the Ospreys 10 in 2 years time? Ladies and gentlemen, the fly half factory is back in business. - Martin Roberts. His move to the Scarlets has been a master stroke. I thought he looked good in cameos for the Ospreys but down at Stradey Park he has been a revelation. Fast hands, an accurate pass and an eye for the gap. Watch out Phillips and Peel, this guy is coming up fast.
- Ben Lewis. Injury has kept him out so far this season and will for another month or so yet. BUT that is all that is stopping him. Learning from Hollah at regional level and Martyn Williams at Welsh level this guy has it all, strength, speed and ability. Move over Snowden-Taylor – MW’s heir apparent is here.
- Leigh Halfpenny. Lightning quick, massive kicking game, an eye for space and accurate goal kicking. Is there anything more you want? Defence and positioning need small amounts of work and someone needs to work out if he is a wing or full back, but for raw talent this guy has it in spades.
- Jonathon Davies. fast, very very strong and (apparently) good hands. The Stradey insiders are raving about this guy. He has looked good at regional level and, if he is able to start looking for space more than contact, I can see why.
And they are just a taster. If you think the likes of Jamie Roberts, Tom James, James Hook, etc are still very new themselves, plus others like Daf hewitt who look good but I haven’t had too much chance to form an opinion on, the future is looking very good indeed for Welsh rugby.
I know we have had talented youngsters who have fallen by the wayside before… but there is something about the intensity that these guys play with that makes me think this time is different. Lets hope so.
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