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January 19, 2010

Posted on 01/19/2010

Youthful exuberance

David Hands dissects Wales coach Warren Gatland's Six Nations selection in The Times.

"England may be the largest blip on Warren Gatland's radar but the Wales coach has not been afraid to look well beyond that. His squad for the RBS Six Nations Championship offers a development role as well as players expected to propel Wales to a third successive win over England at Twickenham on February 6.

"Gatland acknowledges concerns at scrum half and wing, where the twinkle-toed Shane Williams grows no younger. Hence the arrival of two teenagers, Kristian Phillips and Tom Prydie, in the squad though in the latter's case it is hardly a like-for-like replacement. Where Williams is a mere 5ft 7in, the 17-year-old Prydie stands 6ft 4in and must still be growing.

"The chances of either youngster (Phillips is 19) playing in the Six Nations is slim but when Wales visit the southern hemisphere in the summer, they will be without another wing, Leigh Halfpenny, who will need clearance work done on a shoulder. So there are opportunities arising over the next few months, the results of which can be digested well before the 2011 World Cup."

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