Today's first home game of the season was a testimonial match for Scarlet winger and Wales international Mark Jones. Mark epitomises all the passion, flair and commitment indicative of the great Scarlet players: he made a very gracious speech before kick-off - this indicates how good this guy's people skills are - I believe he's going to make a brilliant coach. Some fantastic testimonies in the programme from the likes of Graham Henry, Ryan Jones, Stephen Jones, Simon Easterby and Roger Lewis. Throughout today's game he was on and off the pitch like a rat up a drainpipe, constantly talking to the players (especially young winger George North). His playing experience, and his courage and determination to recover from not one but two serious injuries demonstrate his personal courage and his love of the game. What an example for any player, and in particular this young Scarlet Squad and future players in this hotbed of regional Welsh rugby.
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Mark Jones or "Sparky" in full flight |
As for the game itself, it turned into a rather comfortable win for the Scarlets 44-14. It's always difficult to judge these pre-season friendlies - lots of players get a run out, academy players and new signings get a look in - there's more chopping and changing than a transexual's hair salon! A few things struck me about the game today though, and I predict these will continue into the season ahead.
Firstly, the new defensive approach on show today. The Scarlets played a rushing blitz defence which troubled the visitors. There was a notable increase in the physicality of the Scarlets pack, with Worcester Warriors often failing to get over the gain line. The weight of the Scarlet's tackling often resulted in the visitors (and especially Marcel Garvey) spilling the ball - good aggression and organisation was on display for most of the match by the Scarlet eight.
Secondly was the use of what is, I believe, know as "squeezeball". This is a technique that the Welsh National coaching set up is keen for all regions in Wales to employ as it speeds up ball from rucks and makes turnover ball more difficult to achieve - the Scarlet pack seemed to be using this today, more so when they were on the attack and in deeper phases of play. Interesting to see if this continues and develops, particularly as Robyn McBride is on board the Scarlet coaching staff now.
Thirdly, the Scarlets backline possessed far more creativity and incisiveness than their opponents. Regan King looks back to his best, continuing his form from the end of last season - beautiful touch and slight of hand. Great to see Morgan "the Rhino" Stoddard back - looks like he's bulked up a bit too, even though he had a relatively quiet game by his standards. George North also looks a fantastic prospect on the wing - solid, reliable and very hard to tackle. Martin Roberts had one of his better games for the Scarlets - no windmill arms (is this Switchball working as well) and he scored two good tries - one made by King's cunning offloaded pass, another sharp opportunist run in from five metres.
Fourth is the continued rise of Rhys Priestland at 10. I've always rated Priestland (unlike a lot of other Scarlet fans who are slowly beginning to change their minds). In his first season (during Stephen Jones's prolonged absence for the 2007 World Cup) he racked up a shedload of points with the boot. The next couple of seasons have seen him overcome some periods of a lack of confidence and develop into an intelligent and dynamic outside half. Last season, he put in some fantastic performances (away against Newport and Cardiff stood out for me). I think the Scarlets play a faster paced game when he's at 10 than when Stephen Jones is playing. He also makes line breaks regularly and he reads and controls the game superbly for such a young player. Today was a case in point - he kicked well out of hand, both distance wise and tactically: he missed only one conversion in the game. His work rate and defense is excellent, and his running game is the basis of a lot of the Scarlet attack: he also scores great opportunist tries - today he made and outstanding try for lock Damien Welch - a chip over the Worcester defence, a gribber kick into space, another little kick away from the defending winger, then, realising he'd be tackled just short of the line, Priestland dived forward and flipped the ball up into Welch's hands for the lock to cross the tryline. It brought the crowd to it's feet - and he'll do it again this season.
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| Scarlettillidie's Man of the Match Rhys Priestland |
Finally, arguably the most spectacular sight of the day could be seen not on the lush turf of Parc Y Scarlets, but on the touchline. Nothing less than coach Nigel Davies's incredible tan. Nigel has either spent the summer installing a tanning bed complex at home or he's been holidaying (and sunbathing) somewhere warm and sunny (obviously not in the UK). Whilst the media have announced the fashion death of the orange spraytan celebrity recently, Nigel is seriously brown - chocolate brown. Much browner than this photo in fact. So brown you'd think he'd been photoshopped that colour brown. Nos da.
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| Nigel Davies looking pale |
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