Biggar injury could force Pivac into surprise fly-half selection

Wales’ considerable fly-half injury list may have grown even larger over the weekend as Dan Biggar sustained a knee injury playing for Northampton Saints. 

The incumbent Welsh fly-half may now have to miss out on his side’s visit to London to take on England on Saturday alongside the already injured Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Patchell.  

The Ospreys’ Jarrod Evans looks primed to start at fly-half at Twickenham this weekend, but the position on the bench is up for grabs. 

Having been in and around the Wales squad since Wayne Pivac took over after the Rugby World Cup, the Dragons’ Sam Davies is in contention, particularly in light of his resurgence following his summer move from the Ospreys. 

I rate Jarrod Evans. Really rate him. If Biggar is out call up the form 10 in Sam Davies to cover bench and give Tomos Williams and Jarrod Evans a crack against England. Biggar out is a blow but we've still got quality players

— Ricky Harries (@RickyHarries) March 2, 2020

Sam Davies has to be called up, what else can the guy do? Hasn’t put a foot wrong all season, if he were at any other club he would everyone saying it. Sheedy or Priestland should not be a discussion point until everyone available in Wales is given the chance.

— SteveEdwards (@steveedwardsz) February 29, 2020

However, other players from further afield stand a chance as well, particularly from the Gallagher Premiership. Rhys Priestland’s name has been bandied about over the past week on social media, although his 50 caps makes the Bath man ineligible under Wales’ 60 cap rule. 

But it was Priestland’s opponent on Sunday, Callum Sheedy, who has now emerged as a candidate to vie for a place in Wayne Pivac’s 23 after his performance for the Bristol Bears at the Rec. 

The 24-year-old Sheedy orchestrated a historic win, and was very efficient with the limited ball that Bristol had. His mesmerising skill for Alapati Leiua’s try was a glimpse of his vision and the danger he poses, and why Pivac will surely have an eye on him.  

If Pivac wants a fly-half to stand in for an injured Dan Biggar, despite all the talk about Priestland getting a call, it's the bloke opposite him looking the better option.

Please, Wayne, persuade Callum Sheedy to wear red.

— Tom Dare (@Repka) March 1, 2020

Interesting that they are discussing Wales' issue at fly half on @btsportrugby and a lot of talk about @bathrugby @Rhys_Priestland being the answer but no mention of @BristolBears @Sheedy95 being an option. Typical. Have a look at the table and the stats lads!

— Patrick Smidmore (@patricksmidmore) March 1, 2020

@bathrugby v @BristolBears. Priestland v sheedy. Little audition for the wales 10 shirt if you ask me👀

— Conor Griffiths (@ConorGriff_) March 1, 2020

If Biggs is out for #ENGvWAL would it be an over reaction to draft @Sheedy95 onto the bench to cover Jarrod Evans on Saturday? Long term strategic thinking. Think how good both will be in 4yrs time given exposure now. https://t.co/yVHwL35WgI

— Retired Police Paul Herdy Herdman (@DyfedPowysFed) March 1, 2020

The reasons for selecting Sheedy are two-fold, as it will not only alleviate the injury crisis Wales have currently, but it could secure his future.

Having represented Wales, Ireland and England in some capacity during his career so far, Sheedy is eligible to play for any of the three countries, although he is yet to be capped. If he continues to play at the same level he has so far this season, it will not be long before he is a Test player, and Wales could take advantage of this situation they find themselves in and ensure his future is in a red shirt. 

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