John Devereux on where to next for Wales' production line of Rolls-Royce midfield pairings
Wales has fielded a steady production line of Rolls-Royce midfield pairings since the advent of professionalism. The graceful arcing runs of Allan Bateman were complimented by the quick feet and thunderclap tackling of Scott Gibbs in the late Nineties.
In the Noughties, the perma-tanned Gavin Henson, who boasted both steel and finesse in equal measure, dovetailed with the elegant Tom Shanklin, who could cut a telling line through the defence and had the raw pace to plunder 20 tries for Wales in the wide channels.
The final pair of household names were the adamantine Jamie Roberts and multi-skilled Jonathan Davies. Both were double-series Test Lions who played a record 52 times together for Wales, lagging behind only Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy (56) and Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu (55) in the all-time centre pairings.
As Wales look towards the 2020 Six Nations there is a supply problem, however. With Davies out for the majority of the season and Hadleigh Parkes in his 33rd year, there are furrowed brows unlike at openside where Wales could feasibly set-up an international loan service given the number of top quality breakdown exponents at their disposal.
What exactly is Wales’ succession plan when Parkes and Davies call it quits? Playing a supporting role for the last two years has been Owen Watkin. The 23-year old has 22 caps since making his debut in 2017, but only ten of them starts. Despite a handful of eye-catching cameos, he is yet to forge a career-defining performance in a Welsh shirt.
(Continue reading below…)
One man who knows all about centre play in a red shirt is John Devereux, who inspired a million hand-offs with his muscular, devil-may-care attitude. The former Bridgend stalwart agrees there is a dearth of midfielders following Davies and Parkes but he argues that Watkin, who has given new national team boss Wayne Pivac an injury concern after damaging cartilage against Racing 92, has had far too much investment to be side-tracked.
“For me, Owen Watkin should have played in front of Hadleigh Parkes in that semi-final against South Africa. The management possibly dropped a clanger in not picking him. They need to stick with him because, being honest, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot beneath him. The age profile they have there isn’t quite right at the moment.”
Devereux concedes that at the start of a World Cup cycle, there is room for experimentation, especially given the advancing years of Parkes and Davies. “The two first-choice centres are getting on. At the World Cup, Jonathan Davies was carrying an injury and now faces time out, while Hadleigh Parkes was battered and bruised and virtually held together with sticky tape. We need to see what is around.”
Wayne Pivac will walk the Gatland's Gate countless times but he will look to forge his own identity on a team that showed encouraging signs against the Baabaas, according to @OwainJTJones https://t.co/bJ0DDloj2w
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 2, 2019
The hugely experienced Scott Williams would appear to be at an international crossroads. He has had a tortuous time with injury in the last year, and his ex-coach Warren Gatland said it was a testament to the West Walian’s resolve that he was even able put himself in the frame for World Cup selection when he could barely bend down to pick up a ball at the start of the summer, such was his discomfort from a back injury.
Not selected for Wales’ Barbarians squad, it’s clear the new management feel he needs a period of regular rugby to return to his destructive best although, given he’s at the crisis-stricken Ospreys, it’s hardly helping his confidence.
Devereux concurs that form and fitness need to be established first. “Scott hasn’t really kicked on as some hoped after some very promising seasons. He has some weaknesses, with his inconsistent passing and his fitness concerns have held him back of late. I hope he gets back to his best.”
The selection of two uncapped Kiwis in the Wales squad hasn't gone down well with Gavin Henson
https://t.co/QtCwVDUnpr— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 20, 2019
Pivac’s next short-term fix appeared to be Willis Halaholo, the hot-stepping Cardiff Blues. He was a player tasked with bringing some much-needed offensive flair to a Welsh side hiding its attacking instincts under a bushel, yet he is now out for the season after picking up an inopportune knee injury against Leicester, leaving Pivac reverting to the drawing board.
It was therefore instructive that for the last 13 minutes of Barbarians game, for the eagle-eyed, the white-hot Josh Adams slotted in at 13. Adams is enjoying career-best form with a dozen tries in red in the last year and with a Cardiff hat-trick at the weekend, he would appear, on paper, a viable option.
The former Worcester Warrior covered 13 at Sixways and of course, if he were to keep Jonathan Davies’ shirt warm during this Six Nations it would avoid the selection conundrum of picking between Adams, George North and the newly qualified Johnny McNicholl, who started his Test career with such aplomb a few weeks ago.
Welsh talent ID in England is nothing new but with a new seam of gifted players plying their trade over the border, the battle to wear red or white shows no signs of letting up
– writes @OwainJTJones https://t.co/RF6PplTb9R
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 23, 2019
Devereux, though, has his reservations if Adams is to cover there and suggests his defensive game would need further tightening. “Josh still has a lot to learn. He’s scoring tries for fun at the other end of the pitch but he endured a difficult opening half against Fiji and is still a work in progress. It will be interesting to see what they do for the Italy game and beyond.”
Indeed, the oft-mooted experiment of playing North at 13 earlier in his career appears to have been shelved indefinitely, with public reasons not aired as to why the 6ft 4in, 17st North Walian, who has refined his defensive game in the last twelve to 18 months, has not been given more time patrolling a taxing defensive channel.
While the likes of Owen Williams, Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan seemingly outside bets, temporary options include Hallam Amos, who has been known to cover at 13 and has the attributes to cover there. At 25 the utility player is more likely to be deployed at full-back after an injury-plagued few years.
"My boy was playing under-11s rugby and we could barely get nine or ten players to come out and play whereas with football they were scratching two sides together." @ShaneWilliams11 talks regional rugby decline with @heagneyl ???https://t.co/opEhls2mH2
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 1, 2019
The trainee doctor is under consideration but Devereux feels he needs to bed in at the Cardiff Blues before being thrust into an unfamiliar role at Test level. “Hallam has been talked about but I’m not sure he’s the answer. The World Cup passed him by a little. He fluffed his lines against Uruguay, missing a few try-scoring chances and just needs regular rugby without injury.
“Being at the Blues might help his game after not experiencing much success at the Dragons. It’s a defining year for him in many ways. He’s in his prime at 25 and should be grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck, looking to dominate his opposing number.”
One man who could emerge by moving inside one place is Owen Lane. The 21-year old Cardiff Blue spent his age-grade life playing at outside centre and there are many who feel he possesses the physical gifts to excel there.
Lane played the majority of his rugby at 13 coming through the age-grades and Pivac will know now is the perfect time to tinker with positional changes. He has to find that difficult balance between blooding young players and starting off his tenure with a few wins.
Longer term, there are a few names worth considering. Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, at just 20, is an age-grade cap and talented footballer who chose to follow the family firm and pick rugby.
At 6ft 3ins and nearly 16st, he has the size to dominate at No12 and, as a former fly-half, the distribution skills to play as a second receiver. With the Ospreys at sixes and sevens, the centre from Trebanos is also gaining a baptism of fire that will do him no harm in the future.
Yesterday's meeting with @Barbarian_FC saw us welcome an exciting new coaching regime, and say farewell to an icon of Welsh rugby who created over a decade of great memories. #DiolchWarren pic.twitter.com/JdaVwMJWVw
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) December 1, 2019
Another inside centre who has been earning glowing reviews at Cardiff Arms Park is 20-year old Ben Thomas, who scored a fine individual try against Pau last weekend and fits the ball-playing playmaker role having played at fly-half for Cardiff.
As to why there seems to be a scarcity of centres in Wales, Devereux is at a loss but says certain fundamentals remain if you are to thrive there. “Despite the game changing so much you still need a target man to take you over the gainline. Look at Manu Tuilagi for England. He gives them that. During the World Cup, Wales struggled to make line-breaks, so we used cross-kicks to mixed success.”
The attrition rate and continual physical toll was why Devereux got out of rugby league in 1997 and he understands the physical rigours of playing there. “Rugby league was unsustainable long term. I loved the contact and running through people but you can only do that for so long, whereas Jiffy (Jonathan Davies) looked to be evasive and beat a man through electrifying pace.
“These days, it is amazing Jamie Roberts is still going strong at 33 after running the lines he does. Wales need someone with all the skills – the footwork, kicking game and ability to double-up in defence if there is heavy traffic coming down your channel. It’s not that easy to find.”
As to why there are so few standout Welsh midfielders these days, Devereux says it could be because the modern game is nullifying the attacking game. “You have such little room for manoeuvre. Defences are off the mark so quickly so you have to be razor-sharp to stretch defences.
“When the bench unloads after 50 minutes, mismatches are more difficult to manipulate because players are fresh, whereas the bigger lads who were spent could routinely be exploited in my playing days.”
'The losses still hurt but they inspire you to go on as well'
– Alun-Wyn Jones puts his 2019 to bed with a look to the future with Wales and the Lions
https://t.co/6V7qdnhuKZ— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 11, 2019
The influence of Devereux’s old sport, rugby league, is still wide-ranging, and the former centre believes Wales have to forge their own individual style to outwit bigger sides. Indeed, he is encouraged by the early missives emanating from Pivac’s camp about playing a more expansive game.
“Wales need to be more offensive, to have more ball-in-play time. We have to concentrate on ball skills. What was so illuminating from the World Cup was the handling of the Japanese side. They were outstanding. They showed Wales the way. We have to improve our skills and find space to exploit and what better place than midfield to start.”
WATCH: Follow all the action from the Heineken Champions Cup in the RugbyPass Live Match Centre with commentary, stats, news and more, plus live streaming in some places – click Sign Up Now to see what is available in your region
Comments on RugbyPass
pure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
1 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
11 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
3 Go to comments