Shanklin’s worries ahead of Ireland test
FORMER Wales centre Tom Shanklin admits he is “worried” ahead of the game against Ireland next weekend.
Wales have lost narrowly to Scotland and England in the opening two rounds of the
Six Nations, but Ireland have been the standout team of the tournament after convincing triumphs over France and Italy.
Andy Farrell’s side have scored 74 points in their first two fixtures and welcome a Wales team who have showed spirit without getting the results so far. And Shanklin admits he is concerned ahead of the trip to Dublin.
“I am worried because you’re playing against one of the best teams in the world, if not the best team,” he admitted while doing punditry for BBC Wales Scrum V. “They are a team that would have had two weeks’ rest as well. A team that are unbeaten at the moment, and we’re going there not full of confidence against probably a once-in-a-generation team.”
While Wales have lost their opening fixtures, it’s been a positive campaign for full-back Cameron Winnett, who has impressed fans and pundits alike after bolting into the squad.
Despite playing only 15 professional matches for Cardiff Rugby ahead of his Wales callup, the Rhondda product has given some cause for optimism amid other bright sparks littered throughout the squad.
The 21-year-old’s diminutive frame has stood up to Test rugby pretty well so far. He stands at a similar height to another Welsh great full-back, Leigh Halfpenny, however the Crusaders full-back built a lot of muscle in order to allow him to stand up to the physical demands of the international game. That, Winnett said, is what he’s struggling with at the moment. “I do struggle with putting on weight,” he said. “So trying to keep on top of that outside the rugby environment can be challenging.”
There are a number of youngsters included in Wales’ squad, which has likely made the transition to international level that little bit smoother. Alex Mann, for example, is another young gun for Cardiff who has impressed in his first two outings in a Wales jersey.
“We’ve come through the ranks together since we were at college in Coleg y Cymoedd,” Winnett added. “The fact that I’ve played with someone like ‘Manny’ through college, under18s, under-20s. Now watching him score two tries in two matches for Wales, I’m chuffed for him.”