With only three days until the Dragons opening fixture in the Celtic League Tournament against Llanelli Scarlets selection of the side is proving to be a headache for coaches Mike Ruddock and Clive Griffiths.
The coaching team have monitored the squads’ performance over the pre-season friendlies and after impressive displays by a number of the squad selection is proving far from easy.
“Selection of the team for Saturday is not proving an easy task. A number of the side performed well in our pre-season matches and have really held their hands up for selection,” commented coach Mike Ruddock. “I thought Jason Forster led the side admirably in Andy Marinos’ absence and really led from the front. Nathan Brew also performed well and was justly rewarded with his first Wales cap.
It was pleasing to see so many individuals perform well but we need to improve our performances as a team and work on various playing combinations. However, all the squad have been working very hard and are looking sharp and focused in training leaving me with a selection headache. However, it is a nice headache for a coach to have.”
The Dragons most recent game was against Zurich Premiership side Harlequins and despite loosing 12-24 Mike Ruddock was pleased with the performance. “I could not fault the teams commitment and endeavour in that game. They all gave 100% and if passes had gone to hand at crucial times it could have been a different story. When you consider we had 10 players away on international duty and the team ran Harlequins close, highlights I think, that we have a lot of strength in depth and the team have taken a lot of positives from their performance. At the same time however, the reality shows that a lot of hard work still needs to be done.”
Prop Rod Snow is unavailable for selection as he is on World Cup duty with Canada whilst Michael Owen is with the Wales World Cup squad. No. 8 Ross Beattie has been named in the Scotland team to face Ireland on Saturday. However, Andy Marinos, Rhys Oakley and Ian Gough return to the Dragons leaving Mike with the majority of his squad available for the Celtic League tournament.
“It is great to have nearly the whole squad available for selection especially when a number of players performed well in the pre-season matches. We are fully aware of the challenge of Llanelli who have had less disruption than most with the restructuring of Welsh Rugby. They also have the advantage of playing at home, in front of their passionate supporters. Yet, we won’t be overawed by the Scarlets, who will field a team of quality despite missing key players.
They have a number of exciting youngsters who will want to take the opportunity to impress Gareth Jenkins with both hands. I am confident in the team I have selected and I know they will go out determined to get a result. It is important we start out assault on the Celtic League well but our priority first and foremost is to gel as a team.”
Dragons Team
Brett Davey, Nathan Brew, Andy Marinos(c), Steve Winn, Ben Breeze, Craig Warlow, Rhodri Jones, Adam Black, Paul Young, Chris Anthony, Ian Gough, Peter Sidoli, Shawn Van Rensburg, Jason Forster, Rhys Oakley.
Replacements – David Pattison, Steve Jones, Luke Charteris, Jamie Ringer, Hal Luscombe, Lee Jarvis, Bryan Shelbourne.
