Rees-zammit left out as Pivac stamps authority on Wales
Wing denied debut and North moved to centre Faletau back at No8 after near two-year absence
Wayne Pivac has wasted no time in putting his foot down as Wales coach, telling 18-year-old Louis Rees-zammit that he was not selected for tomorrow’s Six Nations opener because of his commitment to Gloucester in the Premiership.
After naming his first championship team, Pivac revealed that Reeszammit, the flying wing who has made such an impression at the start of his professional career, was initially earmarked to make his international debut against Italy.
“When we selected Louis, we looked at this Italian game as a possibility,” Pivac said. “But he came into camp with an injury and couldn’t train much last week – I think he had the one run.
“Then, of course, being an exile, Louis had to go back to his club. So he hasn’t had the opportunities that Johnny Mcnicholl and Josh Adams have. It’s counted against him, the injury and the unavailability. Louis and I have had a chat about that. The more players we have playing in Wales benefits us.”
Pivac clearly would like Reeszammit to play for one of the four Welsh regions, but he has recently signed an extension to his Gloucester contract, that is believed to run until he is 23. Of course, if Reeszammit continues the remarkable rise that has brought him 10 tries in 13 appearances for the Cherry and Whites then Pivac will field him regardless. However, such are the wing riches the New Zealander has at his disposal that he can afford to move George North to outside centre for the visit of the Azzurri.
Pivac even mentioned that the switch inside could be a “fresh start” for North, the 27-year-old with 91 caps, although with Jonathan Davies due to return from a knee injury in the summer that is difficult to envisage. For now it suits Pivac to give North his fifth international start in the No13 shirt, with Mcnicholl earning his first cap on the right wing.
“I’ve got to say George has trained very well and has taken the challenge up,” Pivac said. “He is very much looking forward to a fresh start, if you like. Jonathan has got the long-term injury at the moment and somebody is going to get the opportunity to play there. George gets the first crack at it, and from what we are seeing, we’re very happy.”
Nick Tompkins provides midfield cover on the bench, with the Saracens 24-year-old almost certain to make his Wales debut. Tompkins played for the England Saxons three years ago, but he remained eligible for the land of his grandmother because South Africa A were not recognised as a second team at the time. “Nick’s an intelligent young footballer with a very big future,” Pivac said.
The coach has endured his injury problems in the build-up to Wales’s defence of the title. Josh Navidi has sustained a hamstring complaint that could keep him out for the bulk of the tournament. In his absence, Aaron Wainwright fills the blindside berth and, despite the 22-year-old’s brilliance, Navidi’s physicality might be missed, particularly in Dublin next weekend.
Scrum-half Gareth Davies is another unavailable tomorrow after suffering a groin complaint. This allows Tomos Williams to start and for Rhys Webb to return to the fold among the replacements, following his 26-month exile enforced by controversial Welsh selection regulations after his transfer to Toulon.
Webb was considered one of his country’s best players at the time, and not only do Wales welcome him back, but also the man who was perhaps rated as their very best, Taulupe Faletau. A catalogue of injuries has kept the No8 out for 23 months and he explained how frustrating it became. The 29-yearold even feared his 76-cap career could be over.
“My first game back [for Bath] at Sale in December was like having my first run-out for the Dragons [as an 18-year-old] – it had been that long,” Faletau said. “At one point, you wonder if you can still play rugby. There were definitely nerves and I’m sure there will more on Saturday. I’m just glad to be out there again.”