Western Mail

SHANE URGES TURNBULL CALL

- JON DOEL Rugby writer jon.doel@walesonlin­e.co.uk

VETERAN Welsh flanker Josh Turnbull has been described as “an absolute machine” as he was backed to make a Wales return this summer. Turnbull has been in remarkable form this season, scooping several man-of-the-match awards and earning rave reviews from fans and pundits, many of whom believe he is in the form of his life at 33.

And despite his age, Wales legend Shane Williams thinks he deserves attention from Wayne Pivac.

Writing in his column for the Rugby Paper, Williams recalled how impressed he was when training with a young Turnbull on Wales duty in 2011.

The flanker has won 10 Wales caps in his career so far, the last of which came off the bench against Argentina in 2018.

Williams said: “In my opinion, Josh is one of the two form players in Wales right now. Jonah Holmes is the other one.

“There is no doubt for me that Josh wouldn’t look out of place in the Welsh squad.

“I think the leadership and captain role he has had with Cardiff has really elevated him again as a player.

“Wayne Pivac picked Dan Lydiate on the back of his superb form. I don’t see why it should be any different with Josh this summer.

“Experience will be important for Wales, especially against Argentina.

“Josh brings that and is an absolute machine.

“He is playing well and I hope his form is rewarded.”

Blues coach Dai Young clearly agrees after a campaign that saw Turnbull become the only Welsh player named in the PRO14 team of the season.

He was the top tackler in the regular PRO14 season with 215, while he has also been the Blues’ main carrying threat.

“His consistenc­y and his physicalit­y both sides of the ball in every game he has played has been outstandin­g,” said Young.

“Week in, week out, he is probably in your top two or three players. He wouldn’t have looked out of place in that Welsh set-up.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“He never misses a training session, he’s very diligent with his extras and his work-ons and a good leader as well, so we are very lucky to have someone of his ability on board.”

It remains to be seen whether Pivac will take notice of Turnbull’s fine form, with the summer matches against the Pumas and Canada likely to be used to give more experience to youngsters such as James Botham and Taine Basham

A number of regular players, such as Aaron Wainwright, Ross Moriarty and Josh Navidi, are also set to be available after missing out on Lions selection.

 ??  ?? Josh Turnbull has not featured for Wales since the tour of Argentina in the summer of 2018
Picture: Huw Evans Agency
Josh Turnbull has not featured for Wales since the tour of Argentina in the summer of 2018 Picture: Huw Evans Agency
 ?? Shane Williams ??
Shane Williams

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