1
Fans believe Twickenham is the ideal stage to give Rees-Zammit a Test debut
By Josh Raisey
Josh Adams’ Six Nations-ending ankle injury is a massive blow to Wales, but one which opens the door for the popular but uncapped Louis Rees-Zammit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Adams was forced from the field in the loss to France last Saturday after an awkward tackle by Virimi Vakatawa, forcing centre Nick Tompkins to move to the wing.
Adams, the 24-cap winger, has scored ten tries in his past ten Wales outings, carrying his form at the World Cup into the Six Nations.
He will be sorely missed by Wayne Pivac, but Wales currently have a surfeit of wingers, certainly when compared to other positions on the field.
Having said that, Wales’ resources are beginning to be stretched out wide. Adams’ injury followed George North’s in the same match with the Ospreys wing being forced off early on after a head injury.
(Continue reading below…)
Top Wallabies reveal how the Israel Folau drama split their World Cup squad
Given the 27-year-old’s troubling history with concussion, he could well have a period on the sidelines, meaning two wingers are needed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Johnny McNicholl is likely to be promoted from the bench to face England and Liam Williams is conveniently nearing a return to playing, but the calls for the 19-year-old Rees-Zammit to be selected have increased.
Interesting to see who we play on the wings against England now. Rees-Zammit must start in my opinion, especially as North is a big doubt. Liam Williams hasn't played for months. Steff Evans?? https://t.co/8PKvwfeFm9
— Mikey Roberts ??????? (@mikeyroberts81) February 25, 2020
LRZ – while it’s a big occasion, would have played against most players in front of him. And probably run round a few of them too. ???? maybe it’s time.
— Rhod Vaughan (@rhodders9) February 25, 2020
The Gloucester winger is unquestionably one of the form Welsh wingers currently, but Pivac would understandably have had reservations about giving him his first cap based on his age and inexperience, as well as the abundance of back three players Wales seem to have.
Cardiff Blues’ Owen Lane is still yet to make a return from a hamstring injury, and Williams may take a while to return to match fitness, meaning a starting berth could be beckoning for the teenager at Twickenham on March 7.
ADVERTISEMENT
Scarlets’ Steff Evans is another option for Pivac if the Kiwi wants to ensure his wingers are completely fit.
Got to be time for Zammit to have a chance now north and Adams are out surely https://t.co/latEeNzsGM
— Coryn Dummett (@Coryn_D) February 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/JTWalters99/status/1232312993616023553?s=20
Having lost two matches already this Six Nations, the chances of retaining the title look very slim. It’s why the trip to London is deemed to be the perfect opportunity to blood young players into the international game.
https://twitter.com/ADF0110/status/1232290550939897863?s=20
Back three v England: Williams, Mcnicholl, Rees-Zammit
— Dafydd ??????? (@DinoDaf) February 25, 2020
England are not easy opponents for a first Test cap, but many in Wales feel Gloucester sensation Rees-Zammit warrants a place in the matchday 23 regardless of his age. This sudden spate of injuries looks like helping his debut to happen.
WATCH: The Rugby Pod rounds up all last weekend’s Guinness Six Nations and Gallagher Premiership action
