The possibles-probables game at the Liberty on Friday night was criticised by many as just another chance that players might get injured. After all the players came through Friday night’s game unscathed the game has to go down as a success from whichever way you look at it. The game made thousands of pounds for charity, it saw a new shirt sponsor on the Wales kit creating better links with sponsors of the national team and it also sold out a the Liberty Stadium something the Ospreys have struggled to do all season. Most importantly of all however, it allowed the young players to show exactly what they are capable of against some of the top internationals in Wales.
Although Warren Gatland admitted that most of the squad was decided before the game there were only a few spots left to play for. However, these spots in a Welsh tour squad are gold dust to the players particularly the younger ones who have never put on the red of Wales before. If you did miss the game it finished 55-7 to the probables and was a mismatch from the start.
The probables dominance up front gave their backs far better ball and allowed them more space to work. This gave Jordan Williams a chance to gobble up some easy chances as he had been promoted to the probable in the absence of George North who was playing the Aviva final. A gutsy performance from the possibles allowed a few individuals to shine and subsequently get their place on the plane to South Africa, among them were, Cory Allen, Matthew Morgan, Steven Shingler and Gareth Davies.
The most exciting additions are certainly Matthew Morgan and Jordan Williams. They are not in the traditional Gatland-mould and may not have made the plane had it not been for injuries. Both players impressed at the trial, Jordan Williams was not given enough space to play his usual game but still got on the end of two scoring moves. Having less space is something that he will need to get used to as he makes the step up to international rugby. If he can get used to having less space there is nothing to stop him flourishing at the top level. He has the same skill set as Shane Williams and we all know how well he did at international level.
Another player with a devastating sidestep and elusive pace is Matthew Morgan. The twenty-two year old is another that bares comparisons to the great wing. He is just an inch taller at 5 foot 8 inches and is lighter, weighing less than twelve stone. Not the dimensions of a modern rugby player but his speed and natural game awareness make up for his lack of size. His normal position is at outside-half, but was seen playing from full-back when he came on for the possibles. It could be the position for him on the international stage as he, like Jordan Williams learns to adapt to the step up from regional rugby.
It is far too early to compare either of these young men to the great Shane Williams, but all three share a very similar skills set. It is a step forward for Wales on the whole as they look to develop their game past the basic ‘power game’ that they have played in the last few years. These two players may have limited chances in South Africa but with Williams and Morgan 20 and 22 respectively they will certainly get their chance in the coming years.
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