The 25-year-old was not part of Tandy’s plans during the Six Nations but has bounced back in style
Roberts has opened up on missing out on a Six Nations place(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
Wales international Joe Roberts has opened up on being left out of Steve Tandy’s Six Nations plans, with the Scarlets centre now targeting a return to the Test squad following a superb run of form.
While he appeared in the centre and on the wing in five matches for Wales last year, including a full 80 minutes against South Africa in the autumn, Roberts was left out of Tandy’s squad for the tournament, with Eddie James and Joe Hawkins emerging as a promising centre partnership over the course of the campaign.
Despite the disappointment, however, the 25-year-old has responded to the setback in the best possible way, scoring four tries in his last three league appearances, with his tally of seven for the season seeing him become his country’s top scorer in the URC this term.
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As he looks to add to his tally at home to Cardiff this Saturday, Roberts has reflected on his season, admitting he was disappointed to miss out on the Six Nations but now knows what he needs to do to force his way back following conversations with Tandy and assistant coach Matt Sherratt.
“It’s been ups and downs really,” he said. “I have struggled a bit with injury now and then, trying to string a few games together. I was obviously disappointed with the international stuff, but that’s how it is. It’s swings and roundabouts, isn’t it?
“I have spoken to Steve and Matt Sherratt and they were clear with their expectations. They spoke to me throughout the whole process, between the autumn and the Six Nations, and then after the squad was announced.
“They had their reasons and I have just got to look to finish the season strongly and put my best foot forward to get myself back in there. I’ve had a couple of tries in the last few games, so that’s helped out a bit.”
As well as Hawkins and James, Roberts faces competition for midfield places with fellow Scarlets team-mate Johnny Williams, as well as the talented 21-year-old prospect Macs Page.
“There is a load of competition, but I guess it forces you to perform, so it’s not a bad thing,” he added. “It is driving everyone really.
“It’s about going out every weekend, putting performances in and showing we are getting better. That’s key.”
That competition has been welcomed by the Scarlets’ interim director of rugby Nigel Davies, who has been delighted with Roberts’ recent performances.
“Joe has been brilliant for us,” he said. “He has scored some great tries over the last few games. He has shown his capabilities.
“He’s someone that has really impressed me. He’s very pacey. The tries he has scored have shown that pace.”
On the selection headache he now faces, Davies added: “That’s what you want. That’s the level of competition we need right throughout the team in order to push forward and really challenge.
“We have got real quality players in the centre. It’s going to be tight competition there because there’s not much between them.”
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