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'When I got to finally speak to him I was a bit sheepish'
Callum Sheedy says he has relished being on Wales international duty so soon after a brutal end to Bristol’s Gallagher Premiership season. The Bristol fly-half had little time to dwell on a shattering play-off defeat against Harlequins just over two weeks ago. Quins wiped out a 28-point deficit at Ashton Gate to win 43-36 after extra-time, ending Bristol’s title hopes, and were then crowned champions following an equally memorable Twickenham victory over Exeter seven days later.
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Sheedy has already returned to Test match rugby, kicking 14 points as Wales launched their summer series by beating Canada 68-12. And Argentina now await the Guinness Six Nations title holders, meaning no let-up for Sheedy and company.
“The way it [the play-off] ended was brutal and I still feel I am going to wake up and it was a bad dream,” he said. “To come straight into (the Wales) camp was brilliant because there is nothing worse if you have a bad loss and have to sit and dwell on it for up to eight weeks.
“Being able to come into a new environment, refresh the brain and get back to work, there is no time to be feeling sorry for yourself when you come into an international camp, otherwise you will be left behind. It takes your mind off the club stuff and you are 100 per cent in this mindset.”
Sheedy has excelled under the direction of his Bristol boss Pat Lam, playing key roles in last year’s European Challenge Cup final triumph and Bristol finishing top after the recent regular Premiership season. He continues to flourish on the international scene, working with two of Wales’ finest fly-halves in Stephen Jones and Neil Jenkins.
A hard one for everyone to watch last weekend. https://t.co/tEJXR9SOH6
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 7, 2021
Skills and kicking specialist Jenkins, Wales’ record Test match points scorer, is currently on British and Irish Lions duty in South Africa, but attack coach Jones offers key guidance ahead of back-to-back encounters against Argentina. Sheedy added: “It was weird when I first met Steve because I grew up watching him, and his battles with (former Ireland fly-half) Ronan O’Gara over the years would be my favourite games and stuff. When I got to finally speak to him I was a bit sheepish and could not believe it was actually him.
“Being able to work with him and see his ideas, his energy and enthusiasm on the game and for attacking rugby really does rub off on the players. I definitely feel by working with Stephen and Neil – those guys who have played 10 for Wales with so many caps – just makes me such a better person and player.
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“Steve and Wayne (Pivac, Wales’ head coach) are all for ‘if you see it, go for it’, so in terms of the bigger picture, there aren’t that many differences (between Wales and Bristol). When you get to the international stage, you have to be a little bit more pragmatic in terms of where you are playing on the pitch. Territory is key in a lot of these games. That doesn’t mean you kick everything, because you can still run and make ground. It is kind of marrying up the two.”
“But to actually face Wales, I thought about it for the first time last week when I was asked which anthem I would sing."https://t.co/PwYWNhb8Lu
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 1, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
Ardie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to comments