Do Wales Need Alex Cuthbert?

The Welsh backline has been one of the most settled in recent times and almost picks itself. However, in this Six Nations even the backline has seen changes. The ever-present Mike Phillips has been dropped, Rhys Priestland has also been dropped. Past 10 however, there is little debate, North, Robert, Davies, Cuthbert and Halfpenny, or should there be a reshuffle.

One name has always stood out in that backline, and it is Alex Cuthbert. A Lion, a double Six Nations winner he may be but he is not a great rugby player. He is a great finisher, the Cardiff Blues, Wales and the Lions have all benefited from that. However, he gives Wales nothing in defence or creativity in the midfield. The was apparent when Sam Davies read his blitz against the Ospreys last weekend to put Natoga in.

If we look at his wing partner George North there is stark contrast. Against France North stepped into the centre and was fairly effective in bringing others into the game as well as crossing the gain line. The giant wing is also solid in defence something that Cuthbert has never had in his game and is often found wanting in defence.

The reason for this is perhaps because Alex Cuthbert started playing rugby so late on. According to the man himself he began playing at 17 or 18, whereas much of the Wales squad all played as children. The natural sense that George North has in defence has come through years of playing and it is something that Cuthbert has not developed because he started so late. Can Wales afford such a defensive liability on their wing?

What is then is the solution? Well there are several. Liam Williams played particularly well at full back against Scotland in the last game of the Six Nations he could step in at full back and push Leigh Halfpenny back to his old position on the wing. If Halfpenny did move to the wing there are any number of players waiting to deputise at full back; add to Liam Williams, James Hook and Lee Byrne.

Halfpenny may not have the finishing ability of Alex Cuthbert but he is a phenomenal defender and puts his body on the line for Wales. It is far easier to prevent a try than score a try at international level because of the quality of the defences, so should Wales adapt the back three to suit their defensive structure?

If you answered no to that question there are also several wings who offer a better all round game than Cuthbert. They are the more risque option and therefore less likely to be picked by Gatland but can create opportunities for themselves, something Cuthbert fails to do.

Jordan Williams of the Scarlets is an option, he is equally shaky in defence but is a phenomenon going forward and creates chances from nothing. There are shades of Shane Williams in the young Scarlet. Both Osprey wings Eli Walker and Hanno Dirkson are also options who provide the extra touch of flair that Wales may need going forwards.