Persistence pays off for Cracknellpublished at 16:10 GMT
16:10 GMT
HT: Wales 14-31 Argentina
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
International life is set to begin at 31 for Olly Cracknell after the back row was rewarded for his perseverance – and physicality – with a place on Wales’ bench today.
Cracknell initially missed out on Steve Tandy’s squad for the four November Tests but then Taulupe Faletau suffered a knee injury.
Impressive Prem form earned the Leicester man a call-up and Cracknell is poised to make an impact off the bench against the Pumas.
It will be a rise to international level for a hard-working, no-nonsense forward who arrives at Principality Stadium via Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) in Colwyn Bay, Ospreys, London Irish and then, after the Exiles’ financial collapse, Tigers.
The back-rower’s reward for plugging away will come on Sunday when he becomes the 1,216th player to represent his country.
Cracknell edged out 20-year-old Morgan Morse to face the Pumas and will be keen to make an impression in the countdown to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“When we named the team on Monday and Olly was announced you see the emotion,” said Tandy, who coached Cracknell at Ospreys.
“I felt emotional seeing someone who’s gone on such a journey to get that opportunity later on in his career. I think it’s an amazing story.”