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Leigh Halfpenny of Cardiff Rugby(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
Here are your rugby headlines for Friday, January 30.
Halfpenny recalled by Cardiff for Ulster clash
Leigh Halfpenny is set for a return to Belfast 17 years after making his Cardiff debut at the same venue after being named on the bench for Saturday night’s crunch URC clash with Ulster.
The veteran full-back is included among the replacements as the Blue & Blacks make nine changes for the trip to the Affidea Stadium, with Ioan Lloyd’s switch to the wing another noteworthy call.
Cardiff head into the final match of this block of fixtures sitting fourth in the table following last weekend’s victory over Benetton, but they travel to Northern Ireland without 18 players due to injury and international duty.
Despite that, they have named a side packed with energy and youth, but one that still carries plenty of experience. JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and much more
Halfpenny’s inclusion adds calm and know-how to a bench that also features promising youngsters Joe Cowell, Lucas de la Rua and Elijah Evans. Should he take to the field, it would mark a poignant return to Ravenhill, where he made his first appearance for the region back in 2008.
In the back line, Ioan Lloyd is deployed on the wing in an exciting back three alongside Tom Bowen and Cam Winnett. Johan Mulder partners Callum Sheedy at half-back, while Wales Under-20s co-captain Steffan Emanuel starts in midfield with Harri Millard.
Up front, Rhys Barratt continues in the front row and is joined by Evan Lloyd and Javan Sebastian, while Josh McNally captains the side from the second row alongside George Nott.
There is a reshuffle in the back row, too, with Alun Lawrence switching to blindside flanker and both Dan Thomas and Taine Basham returning to the starting XV.
Coach Corniel Van Zyl said: “The bigger picture is important. But for us this week it’s about how good we can be, how excited we are for the challenge, and recognising the opportunity that’s in front of us.”
Cardiff XV: Cam Winnett; Ioan Lloyd, Harri Millard, Steffan Emanuel, Tom Bowen; Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder; Rhys Barratt, Evan Lloyd, Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally (capt), George Nott, Alun Lawrence, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham.
Replacements: Daf Hughes, Danny Southworth, Joe Cowell, Rory Thornton, Lucas de la Rua, Aled Davies, Elijah Evans, Leigh Halfpenny.
James’ season likely over
Rising Welsh-qualified talent Kane James is set for an extended period on the sidelines after a decision was made that he needs surgery on his ankle.
James, who had been mentioned as an outside bet for Steve Tandy’s Six Nations squad, injured his ankle 11 minutes into Exeter Chiefs’ Challenge Cup pool fixture against Cardiff earlier this month.
It always looked like a serious one, and Exeter have now confirmed he is facing 12 to 14 weeks out – effectively ruling him out of the rest of the season.
The Chiefs said in a statement: “Exeter Chiefs back-rowers Kane James and Tom Hooper have both had their injury lay-off periods confirmed by the Chiefs medical team.
“Youngster Kane James had to leave the field after 11 minutes in Chiefs’ EPCR Challenge Cup final pool fixture against Cardiff Rugby.
“Following scans, it has been confirmed James has suffered a large ankle injury and the 20-year-old will have surgery this week. He will shortly enter a rehab programme, expected to last between 12-14 weeks.
“Fellow back-rower and Wallabies international, Tom Hooper was replaced early in last weekend’s Gallagher PREM round 10 fixture against Bristol Bears.
“Scans have confirmed Hooper has strained his MCL. The injury will not require surgery, instead Hooper will undergo an extensive rehab programme with our medical team. Hooper is expected to be available to return to play in approximately 6-8 weeks.”
Watson sends Rees-Zammit warning
Anthony Watson believes Louis Rees-Zammit’s return will be a major Six Nations boost for Wales, but has warned it will not be a magic fix for a side still searching for momentum.
The former England and Lions winger says the Gloucester flyer’s pace, confidence and big-game experience are invaluable. However, he also pointed out the unique challenge of being a star winger in a team that is struggling for control and consistency.
“It definitely helps significantly with his experience and his confidence,” Watson told Grosvenor.
“The only trouble is that when one of your star players is a winger in a team that’s struggling, it’s difficult. How do you bring him in to orchestrate his performance?”
Watson knows the position intimately. And his message is clear: even world-class finishers rely on what is happening inside them.
“As a winger, you want to be playing on the back of a 10 who’s full of confidence and a forward pack that’s going forward,” he explained.
“I’m not sure Wales have got either of those things really going for them right now necessarily.
“So it makes it tough for him to show his worth — but again he doesn’t need much; give him a little window and he’ll take it.”
There are encouraging signs in the back line, too, Watson believes. He highlighted Ellis Mee and said Joe Hawkins is “a very tidy player” at inside centre, while also pointing to Sam Costelow as a promising option at fly-half.
“I think Sam Costelow, the young 10 who’s at the Scarlets with Joe, is looking good,” he added.
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