Autumn Internationals Squad

[ALunpg]

Scott Williams gets a recall to the sqaud after Tyler Morgan pulls out.
Morgan does not have much positive luck..and hopefully it is short term but a chance for Williams to rekindle his chances of a birth in the team.

I was surprised that Morgan was preferred to Williams in the first place. But now Gatland is looking for a "playmaker" maybe that's neither of them.

ThevFail thinks that Owen Williams will be the starting IC. Could also be Patchell.

Yep..they seem to be following on from the hints given in some of the journalistic reports....but I still have a few concerns on Owens defence.That said he has played a few more matches at a regular level at centre more than Biggar, Patchell or Preistland.

I think that possibly Scott Williams could be used at 13 to give Foxy a rest against Georgia instead of Morgan.
I did not see Morgan getting a shot at 12 as he normally plays at 13.

[cashead]

So, what's the view on Parkes getting the nod?

When he was down here in NZ, I remember he was a fairly useful player to have around, because he could be put just about anywhere in between 11~15 but not exactly a guy to build a backline around. Like, he was consistent, he'd do a job and generally reliable, but would generally be seen wearing jersey no. 22 or 23, and would make way for the starter once he'd regained fitness after an injury lay-off.

I take it he's been getting regular time at the Scarlets, and is it a safe assumption that he's now a better player?

[ALunpg]

So, what's the view on Parkes getting the nod?

When he was down here in NZ, I remember he was a fairly useful player to have around, because he could be put just about anywhere in between 11~15 but not exactly a guy to build a backline around. Like, he was consistent, he'd do a job and generally reliable, but would generally be seen wearing jersey no. 22 or 23, and would make way for the starter once he'd regained fitness after an injury lay-off.

I take it he's been getting regular time at the Scarlets, and is it a safe assumption that he's now a better player?

I never watched him often as a player in NZ so its hard for me to comment if he is better as a player but the key fits the lock in the Scarlets team and has certainly grown into the role and developed with Wayne Pivac and Stephen Jones in charge.

He has been starting a lot for the Scarlets and your description of consistency is quite right but he is also a smart player, the sort of player that flies a little under the radar in many ways but can cut a gap and open it out for others.

Wales need to look at all options two years out and his consistency of pass and good decision making with ball in hand and boot and the very positive link in with Rhys Patchell and Jonathan Davies and winger Steff Evans has been rewarded with a place in the sqaud.

It will be an interesting Autumn series for Wales and Parkes could pick up on the challenge offered and make himself part of the change.

[Numbers]

So, what's the view on Parkes getting the nod?

When he was down here in NZ, I remember he was a fairly useful player to have around, because he could be put just about anywhere in between 11~15 but not exactly a guy to build a backline around. Like, he was consistent, he'd do a job and generally reliable, but would generally be seen wearing jersey no. 22 or 23, and would make way for the starter once he'd regained fitness after an injury lay-off.

I take it he's been getting regular time at the Scarlets, and is it a safe assumption that he's now a better player?

I'm not sure if he's a better player than before having never seen him before, he rarely puts a foot wrong like you said, he gets a good few starts for the Scarlets despite them having the two Welsh Centres as they rotate them around.

I'm personally happy to see him in the squad as he is someone who can be relied upon and he seems to have a good temperament which I think will suit International rugby. I don't think he's ever likely to be first choice for Wales but he is a useful deputy.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Parkes is versatile, strong, hard-working, links well and has a good eye for a gap. For me he's more effective than either Davies or Williams (certainly Williams, at any rate) hence he's in the squad.

[Sandydragon]

So, what's the view on Parkes getting the nod?

When he was down here in NZ, I remember he was a fairly useful player to have around, because he could be put just about anywhere in between 11~15 but not exactly a guy to build a backline around. Like, he was consistent, he'd do a job and generally reliable, but would generally be seen wearing jersey no. 22 or 23, and would make way for the starter once he'd regained fitness after an injury lay-off.

I take it he's been getting regular time at the Scarlets, and is it a safe assumption that he's now a better player?

I can't comment how his form in the SH, but at the Scarlets he is in great form. Thoroughly deserves his opportunity with Wales and could add another dimension to our IC position.