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'Manna from heaven': Have Wales found their RWC 2023 flyhalf?
By Sam Smith
Most of the talk following Wales' 40-24 win over England in Round 3 of the Six Nations focussed on some questionable refereeing decisions made by Frenchman Pascal Gauzere but there was another, most positive story to emerge from the result.
Wales replacement flyhalf Callum Sheedy entered the game in the 45th minute for Dan Biggar and while Biggar's experience and poise had helped Wales take a 17-14 lead, it was Sheedy's ability to challenge the line and nail his kicks at goal that got Wales home.
Now, many are calling for Sheedy to be handed the No 10 jersey for Wales' next encounter, with an eye towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Having taken a 15-6 lead on the back of some questionable tries awarded by Gauzere, England fought back to bring themselves within touching distance of their opposition - and the momentum was very much in their favour.
The England backs made metres with every midfield carry while the forwards were doing their part to fight their way up the park. Were it not for some ill-discipline, England could have built an insurmountable lead.
Then Bristol Bears flyhalf Sheedy arrived on the scene, and suddenly England's momentum slowed. First, halfback Kieran Hardy scored a cheeky try from a quick tap, with Sheedy nailing the extras, before he was called upon to keep the clock ticking over with some expertly taken penalty shots.
He also helped keep the English defence honest, challenging the line instead of simply asking those around him to make the big moves.
Come the end of the game, Sheedy had notched up 13 points and attracted widespread praise.
Fans took to Twitter to applaud the composed and calculated display from the 25-year-old.
Callum Sheedy looking like the most natural successor to the 10 shirt in recent years.
— Brekkie (@Brekkietweets) February 27, 2021
Wales' next match comes in two weeks' time when the team will travel to Italy to face the Six Nations cellar-dwellers.
The final-round match between Wales and France in Paris could decide the competition winners, with both nations currently undefeated.
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Latest Comments
Agreed. A very good comparison. On the day they can beat anyone.
You can never be sure which team is pitching up until the whistle blows.
I think Contemponi is a fabulous coach.
Go to commentsUmm - really?
He goes on to say that they just need to deal with the Bok scrums, lineouts and territorial game. Those are not one or two little things ...
Besides, I suspect Tony Brown would like to see his new attacking philosophy clicking against Wales. That involves a lot more than set pieces and kicking. And Gatland might want to be ready for it.
For me the big question is whether the Boks retain their shape and intensity, regardless of the scoreline. If they do that then it could be a cricket score.
But there have been times this year when we have seen them get into a kind of error strewn, shelter shelter, hot potato mode on attack. Hope we don't see that, because it is silly and ineffective. Also boring.
I would love to see the new Bok plan in full flight. But, sadly, my expectation is that we will be another England-like post-game interview, with Rassie "taking the win" but declaring that they did not play the way they intended to.
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