Jenkins Happy With Scarlet Callups
Llanelli coach Gareth Jenkins has backed Wales’ decision to take eight Scarlets on the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia – and says his squad is strong enough to cope without them against Swansea at St Helen’s this weekend.
Wales coach Steve Hansen named Llanelli hooker Robin McBryde and fly-half Stephen Jones as two of his four tour captain’s when he announced his 30-man squad this week.
And alongside wing Garan Evans, who is recalled to international duty after a five year absence, lock Vernon Cooper, wing Mark Jones, scrum-half Dwayne Peel, flanker Dafydd Jones and prop Iestyn Thomas take their places in the squad.
But there are also some noteable absentees with Matthew Watkins, Martyn Madden and Leigh Davies, who were not selected after figuring in Hansen’s Six Nations plans this year, and former international Chris Wyatt still possibly in contention.
“Those players who have been disappointed, like Matthew and Martyn, have been taken aside by Steve Hansen and told what they have to do to during pre-season, which we are pleased about,” said Gareth Jenkins.
“We have eight players in the touring squad and that’s a big boost to this club and there are others like Chris Wyatt who are still in with a chance of going to the World Cup if they get it right.
“We are all about creating the right environment for players to reach international standard so it’s just reward when players we’ve worked hard with are brought into the fold.
“We are all very pleased for Garan and he will bring a wealth of experience to the squad. He has been playing out of his skin this season and must be in with a real shout of going to the World Cup.
“But, pre-season is the most important part of a rugby players season and Wayne Proctor will be working with all our players to make sure their conditioning is right and keep them in with a chance of going to Australia.”
Llanelli must now face Swansea in the Welsh Premiership at St Helen’s on Saturday (5.30pm) without their contingent of international players, but Jenkins thinks the Scarlets’ youngsters can do a job.
“We have a good group of young players here and we will be showing our strength in depth over the last three games of the season,” he added
“It’s time for them to stand up and be counted and show what they can do for this club and we have every faith in them.”
Wales coach Steve Hansen named Llanelli hooker Robin McBryde and fly-half Stephen Jones as two of his four tour captain’s when he announced his 30-man squad this week.
And alongside wing Garan Evans, who is recalled to international duty after a five year absence, lock Vernon Cooper, wing Mark Jones, scrum-half Dwayne Peel, flanker Dafydd Jones and prop Iestyn Thomas take their places in the squad.
But there are also some noteable absentees with Matthew Watkins, Martyn Madden and Leigh Davies, who were not selected after figuring in Hansen’s Six Nations plans this year, and former international Chris Wyatt still possibly in contention.
“Those players who have been disappointed, like Matthew and Martyn, have been taken aside by Steve Hansen and told what they have to do to during pre-season, which we are pleased about,” said Gareth Jenkins.
“We have eight players in the touring squad and that’s a big boost to this club and there are others like Chris Wyatt who are still in with a chance of going to the World Cup if they get it right.
“We are all about creating the right environment for players to reach international standard so it’s just reward when players we’ve worked hard with are brought into the fold.
“We are all very pleased for Garan and he will bring a wealth of experience to the squad. He has been playing out of his skin this season and must be in with a real shout of going to the World Cup.
“But, pre-season is the most important part of a rugby players season and Wayne Proctor will be working with all our players to make sure their conditioning is right and keep them in with a chance of going to Australia.”
Llanelli must now face Swansea in the Welsh Premiership at St Helen’s on Saturday (5.30pm) without their contingent of international players, but Jenkins thinks the Scarlets’ youngsters can do a job.
“We have a good group of young players here and we will be showing our strength in depth over the last three games of the season,” he added
“It’s time for them to stand up and be counted and show what they can do for this club and we have every faith in them.”
Llanelli: Neil Boobyer; Wayne Proctor, Tal Selley, Leigh Davies (Captain), Salesi Finau; Gareth Bowen, Mike Phillips; Phil John, Aled Gravelle, Martyn Madden, Luke Gross, Paul Clapham, Jamie Cudmore, Ian Boobyer, Gareth Williams
Replacements: John Davies, Adam Yelland, Bryn Griffiths, David Hodges, Guy Easterby, Jonny Lewis, AN Other.
Replacements: John Davies, Adam Yelland, Bryn Griffiths, David Hodges, Guy Easterby, Jonny Lewis, AN Other.
Swansea: TBC
