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Ten Welsh players to Watch in 2008-2009

Biggar, fitter, stronger,
By Paul
August 12 2008
As the season inches ever closer and with the Magners League fixtures being released, I thought it would be an ideal time to start looking forward to the next nine or so months of rugby that awaits us. Bred in Heaven will be keeping a watchful eye over ten Welsh players who may come under Warren Gatland's selection spotlight.

Daniel Biggar (Ospreys). The next big number thing off the outside half production line, whether or not he can pressure Hook at regional level is the big question, even if he is only eighteen.

Tom Cheeseman (Bath). Even as just squad player at the Rec, as someone who watches a lot of English Premiership rugby, I found Cheeseman's failure to earn a first call-up with Wales to South Africa, a little mystifying. A much more dynamic outside centre option than Sonny Parker, if Gatland looks over the border.

Jonathan Davies (Scarlets). A one dimensional crash ball centre? Well we have seen occasional moments to suggest otherwise. Some rounded performances from Davies would make him a useful option for Gatland to turn to.

Ross Davies (Sale Sharks). I wrote this article about knowing not a lot about him, but apparently he's worth a look, and as a tight head in his early twenties, if he can make it in England then he's not going to be too far off a test spot.

James Down (Cardiff Blues). Wales can't have enough athletic front-five forwards and being closer to seven foot than six, with some game time this season Down may follow the example of Bradley Davies last season and come to Gatland's attention.

Ben Lewis (Ospreys). A few good outings before injury curtailed his season. Can Lewis do enough to jump ahead of Robin Sowden-Taylor as Martyn Williams's Wales understudy.

Dan Lydiate (Newport Gwent Dragons). Before that nasty neck injury in Perpignan he was just starting to forge a regular place for himself at blindside flanker Rodney Parade. Still only twenty he'll be worth keeping an eye on in his first full season in professional rugby.

Martin Roberts (Scarlets). Not considered good enough for the Ospreys but easily the best nine at Welsh Premiership level, with Peel out of the picture down West, he could surprise his former employers.

Jason Tovey (Newport Gwent Dragons). As both an outside half and at full back, in just three regional appearances, Tovey has shown composure beyond his years, if the Dragons's continue to manage his introduction to top flight rugby, they may have a prodigious talent on their hands.

John Yapp (Cardiff Blues). Having moved across the front-row, the coming season will be the making of Yapp. Having been in the shadow of Gethin Jenkins, a successful switch to loosehead would certainly merit a Wales recall.

 

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Ten Welsh players to Watch in 2008-2009
Posted by: Bred in Heaven (IP Logged)
Date: 12/08/2008 21:41

Ten Welsh players to Watch in 2008-2009

Re: Ten Welsh players to Watch in 2008-2009
Posted by: Paul (BiH). (IP Logged)
Date: 12/08/2008 21:53

My predictions for the new season will be up soon, along with the brand new Bred in Heaven predictions league.

Re: Ten Welsh players to Watch in 2008-2009
Posted by: Isaac Dix (IP Logged)
Date: 13/08/2008 17:25

Nice one!! Can't wait for the new season.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r314/Valleyboy_02/Warriors.jpg



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:13:17:25:56 by Isaac Dix.

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