Horsman Out - Options?

By Zippy
January 9 2006

Chris Horsman was today ruled out of the 6 Nations with an ankle injury. I take a look at the options open to Mike Ruddock, its not all that bad.

But Wales suffered more bad news ahead of their 6 Nations defence which starts next month.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4594688.stm

 

Chris Horsman who made a massive impact with his set piece in the Autumn Internationals is out for 5 months will an ankle injury.

 

Options for Ruddock:

 

Adam Jones – Strong scrummager and the previous occupant of the tight head jersey, question marks remain about his pace and work around the park.

 

Ben Broster – One for the future was capped during the North America tour, looks good but could definitely do with another stone or two in this most demanding of positions.

 

Darren Morris - Playing well up at Leicester and can come in and do a job, on the downside is he really fit enough for the Welsh style of play?

 

Rhys Thomas - The young Newport tight head is a pick of mine for the future, his scrumaging is getting better and he has a good work rate, I think this option has perhaps come a bit too early for him.

 

Gethin Jenkins - Often switches to tight head for Wales after 60mins, a natural loosehead and it represents a massive risk to start with him on the tighthead.

 

John Davies - A real wildcard, playing out of his skin this season and would be able to do a job, the last clamour for his selection was under Steve Hansen who said he'd need a wheelchair to get round the park, I can't see it.

 

Who would you pick?

Leave your thoughts here: 

 

http://www.sportnetwork.net/boards/read/s193.php?f=279&i=19869&t=19869&sid=193