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'He reminds me of Shane Williams... they are very similar'
By Chris Jones
Newcastle boss Dave Walder believes Pumas wing Mateo Carreras has the same elusive skills that made Shane Williams the Welsh international try record scorer.
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Carreras has won just five caps for Argentina but has put himself in contention for the Pumas Autumn tests – they face England, Scotland and Wales – with his outstanding form for Newcastle Falcons that has brought him four tries and a Premiership high 18 defenders beaten this season.
Walder played in Japan with Williams who scored a record 58 tries in 87 tests despite his small stature – 5ft 7ins. Carreras is listed at 5ft 8ins and like the Welsh wing is less than 13st.
Walder said: “He reminds me of Shane Williams and they are very similar. I played with Shane for a season in Japan and like Mateo, no matter how much you know about them you still underestimate how strong they are. They both have a very aggressive fend and an explosion off the mark- he accelerates out of the hand off. If he is a successful as Shane in his career he will be pretty happy.
“Mateo is a feisty little thing with brilliant feet and is very, very fast and as a winger that is a good package. In terms of international selection with Argentina, after the start he has made you would think he would be in contention for their Autumn tour. He is scoring tries for us and is also defensively very sound under the high ball.
“On the one hand I am hoping he gets called up by Argentina in the Autumn but on the other I am desperately hoping he doesn’t.
“I can’t comment how Argentina are playing the game under Michael Cheika and they have Emiliano Boffelli who is the goal kicker which gets him the nod on one wing but hopefully Mateo will get is chance in the Autumn tests and the Rugby World Cup. Mateo respects everyone but fears no one which is a good attribute to have.
“Mateo came onto our radar almost by accident two years ago when we were offered Santiago Grondona and he came over with him. Santiago did his ACL and went home to do his rehab and Mateo stayed and it became pretty clear early on that the had something – real drive and is an aggressive little guy.”
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