THERE is a belief in some quarters that exams for young people are not what they used to be, that they don’t properly test those who take them and they can’t be relied on as accurate pointers for the future.
Then each summer along comes rugby’s Junior World Championship to blow such a notion clean out of the water.
No dumbing down here. No allegations of anyone getting a certificate of questionable value. No claims that the questions asked are way too easy.
It is a tournament that offers a fascinating peek into the future, separating future contenders from steady-as-you-go pretenders.
In years gone by the likes of Aaron Cruden, Julian Savea, Zac Guildford, Gareth Anscombe, Kurtley Beale, Liam Gill, Patrick Lambie, Courtney Lawes, Leigh Halfpenny, Sam Warburton, Jonathan Davies, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies have all featured, with the standard blisteringly high.
Make no mistake, the games are proper tests for those involved.
Wales named their squad yesterday, with the class of 2014 having a lot to live up to after last year’s surge to the final. They have spent the season doing all they can to improve individually and collectively, but head coach Byron Hayward stressed the trip to New Zealand in June would be about results.
“At this level there is a balance to be struck between development and performance,” said Hayward.
“The programme is about helping to bring through youngsters but when you go to a World Cup the performance element really comes to the fore.
“We are performing on a world stage and having had such success last year and in the previous season, we want to do ourselves justice again and show how much talent there is in the squad.
“The development process happens during the Six Nations.
“This is more about going out and applying what we have learned.
“We have emphasised that to the players from day one, so they know that when we step onto the plane to go to New Zealand it’s all about winning.”
To have a serious chance of competing, Wales need their front rowers to again provide them with a rock-solid platform.
The omens on that front are quite bright.
Ospreys pair Nicky Smith and Nicky Thomas were shining lights during the Six Nations, dominating their opponents in virtually every game.
Smith has kicked on to start making a mark in senior rugby and featured off the bench against the Dragons in the Millennium Stadium double header last weekend. It wouldn’t have done his self-belief any harm to have marched back the vastly experienced Duncan Bell at one point.
A third Osprey, hooker Scott Otten, is also in the Welsh front-row mix, with his regional team-mate Rory Thornton included at lock and another who is rated highly.
“The front-row boys, in particular, have a lot of promise,” said forwards coach Ioan Cunningham.
“Nicky Smith and Nicky Thomas are second year players at this level and so have the experience that is so important.
“I thought Nicky Smith was excellent in the derby against the Dragons, while the new laws suit the other Nicky because he is an old-fashioned scrummaging tight-head and has the power to push opponents backwards.
“Scott Otten is another we have hopes for. We gave him a chance in the Six Nations against Scotland and he rewarded us with a big performance. His strength is his ball-carrying, but he can throw accurately and is not neglecting the basics.
“Like with any squad, there are one or two areas where we could do with a bit more experience, but we do have some capable boys and the likes of James Benjamin, Scott Matthews and Will Boyde all have a lot to offer.”
Behind the scrum there is real talent in the shape of Hallam Amos, Dafydd Howells, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Steffan Hughes, Luke Price and Tom Williams, with Amos and Howells already boasting senior caps.
“The aim will be to get out of our group and into the semi-finals,” added Hayward. “If we can do that, anything’s possible. We are all looking forward to the challenge.”
Wales play France, Ireland and Fiji during the pool stage.
Article source: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Welsh-rugby-regions-good-nick-need-plasters/story-20000854-detail/story.html
Rugby World Championships a real test for young stars
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