Posted by It was a tough weekend for Jarrod Evans last weekend as Wales stuttered to a defeat against Ireland before he was left out of the 31-man squad that will travel to Japan.
The young fly-half started his first test match on Saturday, but struggled behind a pack that was unorganised and ineffective, and with a half-back partner who looked slow and hesitant in his delivery.
Unfortunately he was hooked at half-time, with Cardiff Blues Academy graduate Rhys Patchell taking his place and doing enough to earn the second fly-half spot on the plane, ending Jarrod’s World Cup dreams.
There was also disappointment for Owen Lane, as the winger failed to make the squad despite a try scoring debut against Ireland. Both players have plenty of time on their side though and will no doubt be future international stars.
Elsewhere there was better news for Cardiff Blues players though. Josh Navidi was granted the honour of captaining Wales on Saturday, Hallam Amos had a solid game at full-back, and Tomos Williams impressed off the bench on his return from injury.
All three were named in the 31-man squad, alongside regional teammates Dillon Lewis and Hallam Amos, to form a good representation going to Japan from the Arms Park.
They won’t be the only ones lining up at the World Cup though, as Rey Lee-Lo is confirmed as going with his Manu Samoa squad, after head coach Steve Jackson named his final 31-man squad last weekend as well.
Lee-Lo scored from the centre against a New Zealand Heartland XV on Saturday in Auckland, and will be hoping to get a chance against Australia this weekend in his side’s final pre-tournament warm-up.
Similarly the five Wales players will all fancy getting minutes under their belts in the return fixture against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Cardiff Rugby Life 