Wales are going through a centre crisis ahead of the Autumn internationals. In quick succession the Welsh have lost Cory Allen, Scott Williams and British Lion, Jonathan Davies. Not the ideal preparation for an Autumn series in which they will face Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa.
There is a disagreement between Clermont and Wales over the severity of Jon Davies’ injury. The French club have insisted that Davies will be out for “two to three weeks” with his shoulder injury. However, the Welsh set up insist that he is still in contention for the opening test against the Wallabies, on November 8th.
With so many other injuries in the midfield, the 26-year-old Davies is more important than ever. Jamie Roberts is the defensive captain for Wales but Davies leads the defensive line equally well. Outside centre is often described as the most difficult position to defend on a rugby pitch. This is particularly true of Wales’ ‘blitz defence’; the 13 must know when to shoot out of the line to make the tackle and when to hold his position. If he gets it wrong, he risks leaving a giant dog-leg that Southern Hemisphere opposition will exploit. Davies rarely gets it wrong, which makes him invaluable to Wales.
The team will be announced on Tuesday and depending on which party you believe, Davies will not be named in the team. Wales will be forced to play somebody out of position in this crucial defensive position. With James Hook not named in the squad there is no utility back to fill in at centre.
The likely option will be George North; the Northampton Saints wing has played at centre for Wales before, and even scored a try from there against France last year. However, France were far from their best that day and North was not tested defensively, the Wallabies will exploit any vulnerabilities that they see.
To add to the worries for Wales, the Wallabies have discovered a new star in the centre. Tevita Kuridrani of the Brumbies has slotted into the Wallaby ranks and quickly become a key figure. Last weekend against the Barbarians Kuridrani picked up the man of the match award after a barnstorming display. The young Wallaby stands at 6’5” and 16 stone, he guarantees the Wallabies cross the gain line and from there the back three can punish Wales.
If George North is picked at centre he will have a busy afternoon stopping Kuridrani, who will be a willing runner all day. If he gains the upper hand on North and gets over the gain line repeatedly, Wales could have a difficult afternoon as the likes of Israel Folau will be given the space that they need.
The midfield is where the game will be won and lost in my view. Yet, Wales do not have an out and out centre to face the Wallabies. If it is George North against Kuridrani it promises to be an enticing individual battle. With both of these over six feet tall and over 16 stone it is going to be a battle royal in Cardiff next Saturday.
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