ALL BLACKS’ LESSON FOR GIGGS
RYAN Giggs admits a conversation with New Zealand rugby legend Dan Carter proves Wales can follow the All Blacks’ highly-successful model of introducing players into the international setup from a young age.
Giggs takes charge of his second camp as Wales manager this month as the national side prepare for their friendly with Mexico at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium on May 29.
The Manchester United legend named nine uncapped players in his 32-man squad for the game across the Atlantic, with several members of Rob Page’s Under-21 side featuring in his plans.
And Giggs revealed that Carter recently spoke to him about how the experienced members of the All Blacks’ squad had to give guidance to the younger generation – despite being in battle for places with the inexperienced players – to help maintain New Zealand’s spot as the dominant side in international rugby.
“It’s very exciting and it gives them a great chance,” said the Wales boss.
“That’s what I believe in, in giving youth a chance. The experienced players are important in that respect too, and they were in China. They came into the team and helped the younger guys along.
“I spoke to Dan Carter a few months ago and he was saying about the New Zealand rugby team and when he was there he had to look after Beauden Barrett.
“Barrett was after his place, but in New Zealand you have to look after the next generation. I thought it was fantastic that if he didn’t, he would have got hammered by the All Blacks media, the fans, and that’s just part and parcel of why the All Blacks are so great.
“Even though someone’s after his place, he still has to guide him and help him along.
“Dan had a pretty good career himself and he said it made him a better player and kept him sharp. It probably prolonged his career because he still wanted that jersey, but knew he had someone biting at his ankles and wanting to take his place.”
As expected, Gareth Bale and Ben Woodburn will miss out on the trip due to Real Madrid’s Champions League final with Liverpool in Kiev on May 26, while Aston Villa defender James Chester is also unavailable.
Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen and Chester’s Villa teammate Neil Taylor both miss out through injury, although Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsey has been included in the squad and will be in line to make his first international appearance under Giggs in California having missed the China Cup in March.
Wales squad: Wayne Hennessey, Chris Maxwell, Adam Davies, Luke Pilling; Ashley Williams, Jazz Richards, Ben Davies, Chris Gunter, Declan John, Connor Roberts, Christopher Mepham, Regan Poole, Joe Rodon, Adam Matthews, Cameron Coxe, Tom Lockyer; Aaron Ramsey, Joe Ledley, Dan James, George Thomas, George Williams, Matthew Smith, Lee Evans, Andy King, Ryan Hedges, Marley Watkins; Tom Lawrence, Harry Wilson, Sam Vokes, Tom Bradshaw, David Brooks, Hal Robson Kanu.