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Under pressure Priestland is backed by ex-coach Nigel Davies

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Unioncomments55

Rhys Priestland

Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland has been backed by his former coach Nigel Davies after coming in for criticism during the 3-0 series whitewash in Australia.

Wales came close to a win in the final two games but the Scarlets pivot found himself under fire for mistakes.

In the second Test 25-year-old Priestland controversially kicked ball away which helped Australia's cause.

"Rhys is a quality player and he will play for Wales for years to come," said Gloucester director of rugby Davies.

"But it goes with the turf unfortunately when you play 10 for Wales."

As well as the kicking error in the second Test, the 18-cap Priestland was guilty of a costly handling error in the first Test that ended one of Wales' most promising attacks.

It prompted Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley to demand a big display from Priestland in the next game.

"I can remember Stephen Jones and Neil Jenkins in my time - fantastic players. But you always have periods when you get a lot of stick if you are a 10," said Davies.

"Rhys is having that now - he is used to it. He's done it with the Scarlets and he came through a very rough patch there and he just kicked on.

"It's part of his learning experience. I could see that Rhys was reading the game very well [in Australia].

"He didn't always execute what he wanted to do. He is playing within a game plan as well - there are a number of factors."

Wales went down 27-19, 25-23 and 20-19 in the three Test matches but Davies says Howley's side should be applauded for their efforts down under.

He believes the physical gap has closed between them and the southern hemisphere sides and they are now getting to grips with the mental side of the game.

"The margins were very tight. All three games Wales could have won," insisted Davies.

"Their commitment was fantastic. The way they played for the vast majority of those games was great and they are getting there.

"I can remember in the mid-90s going to Australia and being thumped by 50 points, so there is no doubt that Wales is moving forward. It's great to see the Wales Under-20s come third in the World Cup.

"So, I think you have to look at the positives and not the negatives in this and look historically where Wales have been over the last 30 years and where they are getting to now and there is a lot to be optimistic about.

"It's becoming less of a mental problem. Physically we are able to compete. Technically we are able to compete and mentally now we are getting stronger and stronger."

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55 comments

  • Comment posted by U13933397, at 16:26 29 Jun 2012

    Continued..........game against england he got a game at ten, a game he didn't play particularly well in.
    Whilst I agree he had a two good performances in the world cup, he has not played well internationally since.

    Indeed I would say Wales won the 6N's this year in spite of priestland rather than because of. Over-hyped sums it up and the welsh in general

  • Comment posted by U13933397, at 16:16 29 Jun 2012

    Let's not forget that before the pre-world cup 'friendly' away at Twickenham (a mere 12 months ago), Priestland wasn't anywhere near the first team. Hook and Jones were well ahead of him and although named in the squad for that years 6 N's he's only played ONCE as a second half replacement against the mighty scots. It was only for a couple of injuries in the warm-up and during the.......TBC

  • Comment posted by niborenfield, at 10:24 27 Jun 2012

    As an english on-looker I am staggered by the non selection of James Hook as no. 10 for Wales. He is the best no. 10 in the British Isles and has been for several years.

  • Comment posted by Pacinosayshooah, at 20:01 29 Jun 2012

    What is it at the mo with any forum on Welsh rugby, the peeps who can't wait to use their two pennies' worth to get a back door dig in (yes, you Chris). Price of playing well I is the most charitable I can be in response (disclaimer: playing well is not intended to mean we will beat all sundry, just to pre-empt...). Would like to see Hook get 80 in the autumn tests after a year in France...

  • Comment posted by U15324900, at 18:21 29 Jun 2012

    The welsh management have confirmed the last 5years they have no faith in Hook at 10.Even thinking about playing Biggar there would be a massive step backwards. Another key point is does Priestland play his natural game for Wales or is he under strict instruction from the management. If that point is the case the management should be man enough to speak up and say so.Priestland is different class.

  • Comment posted by U10813529, at 11:10 29 Jun 2012

    As I undertnd it, Gatland gave Howley free rein with selection.
    As to Phillips, I agree there should have been a change for the 3rd test, of BOTH half backs.
    Howley failed to realise in the 2nd test, when the fade was affecting his players, Phillips got it early, 53d minute I think, the pressure was on, and he was making unforced errors.
    That was the time to bring on a new S/H.
    Priestland too.

  • Comment posted by BetterByBoat, at 10:24 29 Jun 2012

    Why is it Howleys fault? Gatland was onsite for the final 2 tests and continued to pick Priestland over Hook and I don't believe that Howley dropped Biggar without a word with the boss.
    Truthfully, I'm not sure it makes any difference who we play at 10 when our 9 is a brainless, slow bulk with a wayward pass. When bullying the oppostion fails, we become slow and one dimensional.

  • Comment posted by U10813529, at 18:18 28 Jun 2012

    Seems today's opinions agree that Priestland, has talent, but is not on form.
    How on earth could Howley not see the writing on the wall?
    Poor since February.
    The guy, (as commented on), needs a rest.
    Tests against Aus are not the time for him to regain his confidence.
    It may well have done the opposite. especially with the team mates comments after the 2nd test.

  • Comment posted by welshtim, at 14:46 28 Jun 2012

    I felt that wales missed a trick when SJ was installed as no1 over JH it was better when they where seen as equals since this time JH (one of the most talented on the planet) has been treated badly by club and country.If he had been allowed to develop as Dan C was how good would he have been and wales would have had the world best 10. Give JH a chance to compete as an equal.

  • Comment posted by U14986705, at 12:01 28 Jun 2012

    Wonder if he was playing to Howley's instructions. Yep Bigger's played well this season but has been poor every time at International level. Hook next season will either confirm him as the No1 o/h or another wasted talent. Matthew Morgan.....way too small

  • Comment posted by U14979412, at 11:36 28 Jun 2012

    As an Englishman living in Cardiff, I've been forced to follow the development of your national team as it's everywhere. I think RP is a good player and he seems to have a very cool head under pressure (you can't train that). He's had some poor games, but this happens to the best of players (even Messi!). I was shocked he kicked it away against Australia at the end, but he won't do that again!

  • Comment posted by HugoRight, at 11:15 28 Jun 2012

    Priestland in form at his best is right up there - right now his distribution and kicking form is slightly off - no doubt he will play himself back in. However test sides should be picked on form - not potential.

  • Comment posted by U14502842, at 10:50 28 Jun 2012

    Wales have become more negative since the Ireland match in the SN- RP's last good performance. With JR not there the tactic is just to boot the ball into the opponents' half. That's ok if there's pressure put on the opponents , but RP just kicks into the middle of the field resulting in pressure being put on our defence . As a result we concede penalties and in the case of the Aussies, LOSE.

  • Comment posted by U15009160, at 09:30 28 Jun 2012

    Every team has a weak link - he is undoubtedly Wales's

  • Comment posted by Rhodri, at 09:29 28 Jun 2012

    I think some of you are being overly harsh - he had a great WC and it was his passing that really brought our centres into the game.

    He's still young & struggling with the pressure; he needs to get back to club level and get more game time and experience. He's got plenty of talent to bring to the game over the coming years.

    In the interim we should be exploring Biggar & Hook as our form 10s

  • Comment posted by U10813529, at 08:58 28 Jun 2012

    IMO, Priestland had a good RWC.
    A good game v Ireland, but has not functioned since.
    Howley challenged him to have a big game in the 2nd test.
    he didn't.
    Where was the nous from the coaches to try out combinations for the 3rd test?
    The series was lost, what they had tried, didn't work.
    A bit like the Lions tour of 2005, they had picked their team months ago, and would not change it!

  • Comment posted by jon, at 07:38 28 Jun 2012

    lets be honest, priestland is an average 10, his kicking is poor, his tackling is average and so is his distribution. his main attribute seems to be not buckling under pressure. he is without doubt the weak link in what could be a great welsh team. he's had plenty of chances to deliver, and hasnt, its time hooky got a few games at 10 to see what he can do. we need a world class 10 not mr average.

  • Comment posted by welshperson421, at 02:50 28 Jun 2012

    @ rugbygonemad...simple facts are Hook is the in form fly half. Made mistakes in the past but it has been difficult for him to settle in a single position and so game patterns change. He has now had a full season at fly half and seems to be performing well. So he should have had his chance. As for Matthew Morgan, watch the last game he played against the dragons, tackles Brew and Tuilagi.

  • Comment posted by 99-Call, at 23:03 27 Jun 2012

    To be honest I cant remember a single game, even back to the RWC where RP could be said to have had an 'outstanding' performance. However, the causes of why he's off form need to be tackled first. I think on the tour RP and Phillips and a lack of confidence in each other, which was demonstrated by the slow feed and by RP's poor kicking

  • Comment posted by U15322495, at 22:55 27 Jun 2012

    Personally, I hold grudges- None more than why James Hook hasn't being playing 10 since his first appearances. Instead playing him out of position where his weaknesses are exploited that much more. I'm questioning why Priestland is getting 'better' and more chances to prove himself after poor performances in games that matter more to Wales than I can remember. Bring back "The next Barry John".

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