Welsh World Cup Squad - Scrum Halfs

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This will hopefully be a bit contentious. There are a number of players that should realistically be fighting for this spot, the selectors see it differently to the fans.

Peel and Phillips have masses of experience and Gatland values that massively. But neither have shown great form. Phillips has been in the press for all the wrong reasons and hasnt had an edge, a sparkle or a touch of magic for a long time now, maybe since the Lions tour to SA in 2009. Peel never recaptured the form of 2005, though he does show it in glimpses many think he is past his best. Plus moving to England seems to have been an awful decision, out of contention too often he cant go on training camps because of ridiculous legislation regarding English clubs. Enough said debate that somewhere else.

There is a camp that rate Rees, he has a quick service, but to be honest he has nothing else, he has no vision, no game management he just moves ball on. Makes the odd break but I personally have never though he was anywhere near international class. Wayne Evans would be a better alternative in many peoples views, much more rounded player who has all the skills, just maybe lacks a bit of physicality and bite.

The youngsters...!

We are blessed with a number of good prospects. Tavis Knoyle leading the way as first choice scrum half at the scarlets for the last 18 months after displacing former Wales scrum half Martin Roberts. LLoyd Willams shows a hell of a lot of talent and surely will replace Rees at the Blues this season, could have done more this season if it wasnt for injury keeping him out of the game for a few months. Rhys Webb came through at the Ospreys during the Six nations and held off Mike Phillips as starting scrum half, a great range of skills and a good vision.

We are probably taking three scrum halfs to the RWC

Richie Rees (Blues) 9 Caps 5 Points

Lloyd Williams (Blues) 0 Caps

Tavis Knoyle, (Scarlets) 3 Caps (0 Points)

Michael Phillips (Bayonne) 52 Caps (26 Points) Lions 3 Caps (5 Points)

Dwayne Peel (Sale) 76 Caps (25 Points) Lions 3 Caps

Wayne Evans (Dragons) 0 Caps

Rhys Webb (Ospreys) 0 Caps

gowales,

Is there a slot for him at a Region? I guess he would come with hefty wage bill as well.

Blues have Williams and Rees

Dragons have Evans though he has been poor this season

Ospreys have Webb

Scarlets have Knoyle

probably only at the Dragons I'd say.

Yea maybe the Scarlets as well but to be honest i cant him moving back. If i were him id go over to France soon before hes too old.

the Scarlets don't need him and couldn't afford him anyway.

Doubt if Dragons could afford him either and would rather us spend money elsewhere.

Evans is off form but is a top class player when on form and has youth on side

To be honest whilst I rate/d Peel, I don't see any of the regions wanting/needing him. If it were a few seasons ago maybe the Ospreys would have gone for him just to bump up the number of international on their books. But right now all the regions seem to acknowledge the importance (and financial gain) of bringing through youngsters in their ranks.

The Blues have two international scrum halves in Rees and Williams. The Ospreys have two international scrum halves in Fotuali'i and Webb (I'm sure he has had a cap??). The Scarlets have one international scrum half in Knoyle and a handful of age-grade scrum halves in Williams, G Davies and A Davies. And the Dragons have a few a good scrum half in W Evans, and decent scrum half in Bedford, and a up and coming (age-grade??) scrum half in J Evans. So being fair would Peel would just be either filler for during internationals or blocking the developement of a younger/developing player.