Screech gets Wales call

Nick Macleod
By Andrew Collins
June 4 2006

Nick 'Screech' Macleod has been given a shock call up to the Wales squad following Hal Luscombes rib injury.

Hal becomes the latest name on a growing list of absentees, who are regulars in the Welsh squads of old. But a rib injury suffered in Friday nights loss to Overmach Parma has meant the Harlequins-bound centre will not be able to travel.

However, it's great news for Macleod who has completed a sensational turn around in the last 6 months. The region were set to offload the Cardiff-born full back, but a late surge in form at 15, rather than outside half, have made people stand up and take note. He now looks a cert to stay on with the Blues, and could well earn his first ever Welsh cap at the age of 23.

It's a massive boost of Screech - named for his resemblance to a character in 'Saved by the Bell' - who now has a foot in the door with the new Welsh coach and a chance to show what he can do at a high level.

Argentina can be the making and breaking of players, and there are bound to be casualties from this squad, but Macleod will be going over with nothing to lose. He's a very able full back, and on his day a superb kicker, but we've seen times when the occasion has often to him, he'll be hoping to put it right in forthcoming weeks.

"Nick is another youngster who will learn from the experience of a tough tour. He gives us options and can play at outside-half and full-back as well as kick goals. We are sure he will relish what is probably an unexpected opportunity for him.”

However, its more bad news for Blues captain Rhys Williams, who should’ve been seen as an ideal replacement for Luscombe, but with a poor season hanging over his head, the World cup seems a long way off now.

Meanwhile, Xavier Rush played in today’s South Africa vs World XV’s match, but was on the losing side, with the Bokka scoring 10 penalties against the World’s 2 tries,1 con and 5 pens. Final score SA 30 WXV 27.