A big debate in Welsh Rugby in recent weeks has been over the young Gloucester Winger Louis Rees-Zammit. A lot of people have been calling for Wayne Pivac to cap the youngster during the Six Nations, but does he deserve a cap?
Well he’s the joint top Try scorer in the English Gallagher Premiership this season with seven tries. The closest Welsh player too him is Saracens Centre Nick Tompkins with five. Liam Williams has been injured most of the season and has now moved back home to the Scarlets, while George North and Johnny McNicholl are both playing in the Pro14. McNicholl has scored two tries for the Scarlets this season while George North has only scored one for the Ospreys, having hardly played due to the World Cup.
I felt as if Pivac missed a chance in not playing Rees-Zammit in the opening game of the Six Nations against Italy. It was the so called ‘easier’ game of the tournament, but rather than giving the youngster an opportunity, he went with McNicholl who’s played for Pivac at the Scarlets. I felt like this was a missed opportunity for Pivac and Welsh rugby. With George North starting in the centre that game it would’ve been a great chance for the youngster to win his first cap.
Now with one game remaining of the Six Nations, will Pivac give Rees-Zammit his chance. I think George North should retain his place on the wing, having played his best game of the tournament against England. I feel as if Liam Williams might be left out of the starting team and be given a rest, having been thrown in at the deep end by Pivac against England, his first game in over three months. However, there has also been talk of Leigh Halfpenny suffering a nasty gash to his leg so might he be rested? I don’t think McNicholl has been up to International standard so far and has struggled massively. Obviously, the injury to Josh Adams has ruled him out for the rest of the season, so I think now is the chance for young Rees-Zammit. There’s no Grand Slam or Championship on offer so Pivac should give the youngster a chance on this stage to see what he can do.
George North won his first Welsh cap at the age of 18, I agree with the saying if you’re good enough you’re old enough. Rees-Zammit has been tearing defences apart all season for Gloucester and even won the Premiership Player of the month award in December. The youngster has been training with the squad throughout the tournament, so he’s been there long enough to gain experience from the older players. Now is his chance to kick start a bright International future in the red jersey.
by Tobias Hunt
Tobias' Sports Journalism Blog 