Will Alex Cuthbert claim the number 11 jersey?

Friday 13 January 2012

Shane Williams wore the number 11 jersey for so long Warren Gatland is going to be faced with some tough choices when it comes to picking who will replace him on the wing, one this is for certain there isn't anyone exactly like Williams and probably won't be again. One contender is Alex Cuthbert who until recently was fairly unheard of.

Name: Alex Cuthbert
DOB: 05/04/1990 (21)
Position: Wing
Club: Cardiff Blues
International Debut: 3rd December 2011

At the age of 21, Cuthbert has made quite an impression playing for his club Cardiff Blues, where he plays on the right wing, most notably when he scored two tries in the Blues win over Newport Gwent Dragons just before Christmas. But for the young winger it is still early days having only played five games for his club, for the rugby union world he is quite literally come out of nowhere. With only one international cap under his belt it wouldn't be right to put pressure on the youngster by saying that he has a fantastic career ahead of him, but it is fair to acknowledge that he is talented - it is obvious to everyone who has seen him play that he has a real flair and is a great finisher. Cuthbert is also a keen show-jumper but started to put rugby first and since then it has been full on for the Blues player.

In November 2011 Cuthbert was named in the senior Wales training squad for the match against Australia on 3 December 2011 and made his debut aged 21 as a second-half replacement for George North. His recent form makes his a strong contender for the number 11 jersey, although he still has a lot to prove, he could definitely come through for the 2015 World Cup.

We are not going to see someone like Shane Williams again but from what we have seen from Cuthbert so far he has the potential to be a great star for Wales and I would love to see him take the number 11 jersey at the Six Nations. Right now it is about Wales finding someone who is reliable, fast and raw - so far Cuthbert has two of the three and I am sure with plenty more games under his belt we will start to see his reliability. Watch this space.

Other possible contenders for the number 11 jersey:

Scott Williams
Scott certainly made a fantastic impression in his first test start when he scored a hat-trick against Namibia in the RWC 2011. He can certainly make an impact in a game and has played on the wing for Wales, if the jersey wasn't to go to Cuthbert my second choice would be Williams.
Liam Williams
He has a lot of flexibility being able to play anywhere in the back three. Versatile players are beneficial in this day and age so they can switch seamlessly between positions should the need arise.
Leigh Halfpenny
There is always the option to play Halfpenny on the wing and put either James Hook or Lee Byrne at full-back. If we are looking forward to the next world cup and want to build a team Halfpenny should really stay at number 15.