As the politics in Welsh rugby draws to an end it is has reopened the door for the rugby debate. The seemingly endless debate in Welsh rugby is who should play outside half. Whoever does hold the number 10 jersey is open to criticism from the three million strong Welsh population, meaning that Welsh outside halves need thick skin.
A year out from the world cup, and the pivotal position does not have a regular incumbent. If Wales are to challenge at the Six Nations and the World Cup they need a regular play maker. With just eleven games until the World Cup kicks off next year, there is not a great deal of time to bed in a new outside half. This is why a decision needs to be made before the autumn internationals and importantly, it needs to be the correct decision. So who are the contenders for the hallowed Welsh outside half jersey?
Wales Outside-Half Debate
Dan Biggar is the closest to the jersey as it stands. He was the last man to wear the red ten jersey, taking care of the jersey on the South Africa tour this summer. Biggar has been one of Wales’ most undervalued players in recent times. The twenty-four year old has been brilliant in the Pro12 and has become a leading figure at the Ospreys, regardless of his young age. To my mind Dan Biggar has not made many mistakes in any of his twenty-five caps in the Welsh jersey. His tactical kicking is excellent and his running game is improving year on year.
Rhys Priestland is the eternal enigma. His performances at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand were outstanding and brought comparisons to some of the great Welsh outside halves. However, since then Priestland’s form has been poor in his twenty-one tests since the World Cup. Welsh fans have almost given up on Rhys Priestland as a prospect for Wales. They have begun looking further afield. However, Warren Gatland does have his favourites and Priestland is certainly one of those. Priestland is still in with a chance of the Welsh jersey. He is a confidence player and when he is playing well he is brilliant, however, his flashes of brilliance have been far too fleeting in recent times.
James Hook is the forgotten man of Welsh rugby. Hook has fallen out of favour with the management but is unquestionably one of the most talented players in the squad. His talent means that he sees far more than the other contenders and when it works it is brilliant, however, when it doesn’t it can cost the team. Hook has long been ‘out of sight, out of mind’ in Perpignan. Now in Gloucester he is just over the bridge and cannot be ignored. He is also guaranteed the outside half position at Gloucester, this can only help him step out of the role of ‘utility back’ and become and outside half again.
Gareth Anscombe is the new kid on the block. Anscombe has come over from New Zealand with a big reputation. His Welsh mother means that he is Welsh qualified and Gatland has been central in drawing the young Kiwi over, he is clearly a fan. He could be a major contender in the race for the 10 jersey. A lot will depend on how Cardiff Blues use the young player. He can play full back and outside half, I expect him to play at full back leaving Rhys Patchell as the Blues outside half. If this happens then there is more chance of Anscombe being on the bench for Wales as he covers more than one position.
Rhys Patchell is the young pretender. Patchell is only twenty-one but he seems to have been around forever. His talent has been spoken about for years and he is beginning to show why he has been spoken about in this way. His injury last year was unfortunate as has stalled his development however; he will be going into this season fresh and behind a far stronger pack at the Blues. Playing behind this bolstered pack will allow him to show his full repertoire of talents. If he can perform well then he may make the squad, and Welsh fans would welcome him with open arms. Patchell is one for the future and he should be allowed to hone his game further with the Blues rather than push him into the pressure cooker of the international scene.
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