 Roberts played at 12 for Wales on the summer tour to South Africa |
The Blues have given a clear hint that Jamie Roberts' future lies in one of Wales' problem spots, inside centre. He won his third cap at 12 in June's second Test against South Africa, impressing Wales coach Warren Gatland who wants to see more of Roberts there. The 17-stone powerhouse, normally a full-back or wing, has been training in the centre position for his region, with the new season two weeks away. "Jamie's an option at 12," Blues coach Bill Millard told the Scrum V show.  | 606: DEBATE |
"Our director of rugby Dai Young has been talking to Warren to see what Wales want to do, but Jamie has definitely trained at 12. "He is a big, strong ball-carrying centre, but he's also got good foot speed and skills, so he is a good choice." Backs coach Millard added: "He can cover 15 and wing, too, but we are just getting him used to playing at 12 with his timing, and he is looking good." Ospreys star Gavin Henson was Wales' first choice inside centre during the Six Nations, but he missed the two matches against the world champion Springboks because of an ankle injury. Wales have tried six inside centres since the 2005 Grand Slam, when Henson was an ever-present. A series of injurires to Henson has given Ceri Sweeney, Sonny Parker, Matthew Watkins, James Hook, Gareth Thomas and Roberts a chance to play at 12. | There are still points to prove in the areas we want to improve on |
At regional level, Roberts' route to his preferred full-back position is blocked by former All Black Ben Blair. Chris Czekaj, Tom James, Richard Mustoe, Aled Brew and Rhys Williams provide competition for the two wing berths. At centre, the Blues are blessed with talent in the shape of double Wales Grand Slam winner Tom Shanklin and former Wales captain Gareth Thomas, as well as young talent Dafydd Hewitt. One thing Roberts looks certain to take to Wales is a no-nonsense Australian will-to-win, if the attitude displayed by Millard is anything to go by. The former Australia A backs coach was keen to play down any extra pressure after the Blues' efforts last season, their most successful since the advent of regional rugby. The Arms Park region finished second in the Magners League and made the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup. "If we had won anything there would be pressure to back it up, but there are still points to prove in the areas we want to improve on," said Millard. "We have got to put our heads down because we have got a very tough start." The Blues face Leinster, Opsreys and Ulster in the opening weeks of the Magners League season. *Scrum V on BBC Radio Wales returns on Thursday, 4 September *Scrum V Live: Dragons v Glasgow, Friday, 5 September *Scrum V returns 1720 BST on Sunday, 7 September
| 
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?