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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
Thanks for a most interesting article, Brett. The build up to Lions tours is always fun, and these articles are great for discussion, and in my case education, as I don’t always get round to watching all the Super games fully.
For example I had not realised Hodgeman was 31, thought he was younger. So he is right in that age bracket where props down the ages often reach their peak. With his NZ background, he is a huge asset to have, first at Qld, second for the WB’s.
Daugunu, yes, and the time at the Rebels has seen his game refined, he is strong candidate. The player I would add to the list is Josh Canham. Not many mentioning him atm, but at 2.02 m and 116 kgs, and the way he is playing for the Reds, I would be looking at him as strong WB squad member. Uru I really like, as he brings a lot of flair with his game.
Good to hear you report that Schmidt is now not ruling Langi Gleeson out of Lions games contention. Wise move, as he is having now a very strong season, even outstanding. Good to see potential now being realised.
I would think Carlo Tizzano would also be one that Schmidt is looking at with interest. He has workrd hard to get to where he now is, and is having a very strong season. Sam Cane type player, a hard man. I guess he is a worthy successor to that great Force 7 of times past, Matt Hodgson.
Go to commentsIDK what your on about, a lot of people down here were very much tuned in on the All Blacks
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