IT’S SHEEDY TIME
WALES coach Wayne Pivac should hand Callum Sheedy the starting jersey at fly-half for the crucial Six Nations trips to Italy and France.
Thet’s the verdict of legendary former Wales prop and respected Wales on Sunday columnist Graham Price.
The 25-year-old Bristol Bears playmaker has impressed coming off the bench against Scotland and England, and Price feels he is now ready to start ahead of Dan Biggar as Wales chase the two victories that would complete a Grand Slam.
Some have questioned Sheedy’s goal kicking ability but after his nerveless final quarter performance last weekend Price feels the time is right to give the Cardiff-born player (pictured right) his chance.
“From the moment Sheedy, and his scrum-half partner Kieran Hardy, entered the fray as early secondhalf replacements in Scotland, they helped change the momentum of the match and turn it Wales’ way,” said Price
“I fully expected Sheedy to start against England. Instead, Pivac stuck with Biggar – but once more the youngster came on early and it was his game management that put Wales in control in that closing quarter.
“The match was tied at 24-24 and could have gone either way, but his ability to read the play and dictate proceedings was pivotal in ensuring Wales ran away with it.
“I’m not sure that could have happened without Sheedy at fly-half.
“He was hugely impressive, making darting breaks, producing wellplaced kicks that could have led to a couple more tries had the ball bounced kinder – and, of course, he answered any doubts about his goalkicking with a sublime display from the tee.
“He has done more than enough to oust Biggar from the 10 jersey for me and needs to stay there, for Italy, France and beyond.
“He just gets the backline going better and Wales do possess some lethal talent behind who need to be unleashed.
“The impact Callum Sheedy has had on this team has been huge.
“They’ve been more than cameo appearances, but nonetheless it has come as a replacement.
“With him starting, I’d expect Wales to be able to go up another level in performance again.”
■ Read Pricey’s full column in today’s Sport on Sunday pullout