Step up? How theWales
OWEN WATKIN Came off the bench after 67 minutes to win his first cap against the Wallabies and the recently-turned 21-year-old made a first start for Wales in midfield in the second international against Georgia.
The young Osprey wasn’t alone in failing to create anything tangible against a lacklustre Georgian back division. Rating: 4/10 STEFF EVANS Not the first and certainly not the last to find out the step up from regional to Test rugby is really a whole new ball game.
Having been blooded against Tonga in June, the Scarlets star got a eye-popping reminder what the international scene is all about against the Wallabies and All Blacks.
Did well to force his way over for a try in the corner against Australia, but cost his side with hideous kick out of defence that failed to clear lines ahead of Michael Hooper’s touchdown and was then relieved of possession by Kurtley Beale as the full-back raced clear.
Made to look a little lightweight when he was up against someone of the size and power of All Blacks bruiser Waisake Naholo. Can’t fault his effort though. Rating: 5/10 SEB DAVIES Has been setting regional rugby alight at the Cardiff Blues this season after making his international debut against Tonga in June.
But the eye-catching lock was played out of position at No.8 against the Georgians and started like a well-serviced Ferrari carrying well in the channels and making a vital lineout steal deep in the Welsh 22.
But as the game wore on it became very much a subject for debate whether the experiment was a success or failure. Rating: 5/10 ALED DAVIES Finally made it to the Welsh cap club on the summer tour to the south seas with appearances against Tonga and Samoa.
Came off the bench against Australia and Georgia to double his two-cap haul and while doing very little wrong, will want to press home his bid to become a regular in the Welsh 23 when Rhys Webb departs for Toulon next summer and become ineligible for Test duty. Rating: 5/10 LEON BROWN Only recently turned 21, which is a young age for a tighthead prop still learning his trade to be playing Test rugby.
Another who found the international stage a completely different kettle of fish against Georgia when as feared, came off second best against Montpellier star Mikheil Nariashvili following on from his debut against the Wallabies.
Was substituted and then controversially deemed unfit to return after his replacement Tomas Francis was sin-binned.
His ball carrying and ability to break defences does offer Wales great hope for the future. Rating: 5/10