Rhys Priestland's Sugar Rush

The problem with Welsh fans is they’re like a kid in a sweet shop. Never content with a pick and mix, and stuffing their faces with more and more until they’re sick… OK that’s usually due to beer, but still. 

With the ‘Dove Men Care Autumn International Series’ fast approaching (and removing all masculinity with its name as it does) a new pandemic of fear is sweeping through the valleys of Wales as they prepare to defend themselves in their backyard and prove they are true rugby contenders.

You can hear from all corners of the peninsular people moaning the words “Priestland, why Priestland”. Indeed Rob Howley has already come under scrutiny as caretaker head coach (and one day head honcho), as many believe he has failed to pick players on form. But I hope to show you why ‘Biggargate’ isn’t the answer.

Wales have been described as a 'factory for fly-halves', churning outs greats after greats. I like to think of it as a sweet factory (you might pick up on my extended metaphor now).  Yes that makes Roger Lewis 'Willy Wonka', and many have mumbled a word similar to ‘Wonka’ under their breath when talking about the way Welsh rugby is run. But the point is that a change is NOT needed at the fly-half position.

Dan Biggar is a very good player, helping his Ospreys win the league last year, and coming full-circle with his own performances on the field this season. Yet he was given a chance long before Priestland’s reign. He looked out of place, and while many believed he needed time to develop into the player he is now, why would we want a change? Priestland stepped in and took the team to a Rugby World cup Semifinal, and a Grand Slam. OK he has faltered at late with his club, but the only way to pull yourself out of bad form is to play your way out, and it is encouraging to allow a young player to do this.

Wales have been praised for playing phenomenally well, and even when they lose, people say they shouldn’t have. So it is frustrating to see Welsh fans pile into this metaphorical sweet shop looking for the ‘in-form’ bar of chocolate. Simply dropping their lolliPriestlands for a Biggar and better sweet without any loyalty. 

A helping hand to Biggar's resurgence might be the forwards. Although the Scarlets aren’t awful, and have a few stellar names in the pack- it is still not the same as the Ospreys, who have a far better scrummaging team. The key to any game, and especially an international one, is the platform to play off from. If this is achieved no fly-half should struggle, and as many know this is where you need to win to beat Argentina.

So all I’m saying is too many sweets can make children's teeth rot. The chopping and changing at the half-back position, as many call for, is only counterintuitive. You don’t want to have to look at the top of your number ten’s shirt to see whose name you’re playing with this week.

Priestland therefore is a driver, a driver of a very good back-line. He has Lions and future stars outside him (of which many said he was before this season). All he has to do is stand flat, and feed them the ball. 

However, I shouldn’t belittle his role, as without him Wales would not have the success they boast. He is hugely underrated as an attacking threat and his presence at the gain-line, and passing whilst behind it, is very rare. Dan Biggar is also good at this, but I don’t see him as being as cutthroat, or as clinical- regardless of his performances of late. Yes his kicking is much better, but that is not imperative with Halfpenny behind you. I’d even rate Priestland as a better defender if I had to, and his size is far more set for the international stage.

Most great teams have that great fly-half, New Zealand almost lost the World Cup because they couldn’t find a replacement for theirs. But why would you opt to change the dynamic of a team ahead of this Six Nations and ahead of the future World Cup, when you did all the rebuilding a few years ago? Priestland is hardened to the international game now (like a gobstopper), and whilst I agree he is not in form, there comes a point when continuity is more important. Shopping for better players becomes tiresome, eventually you have to build around what you picked out- otherwise you’ll never move forward as a team.

The cliché ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’ is rubbish. You need form and consistency to be ‘class’ otherwise you’ll be a walking urban legend like Gavin Henson (although the comeback might be on, shh). If any sense is to be made, it only supports the selection of Priestland. He’s still the player he was, just in need of a sugar rush perhaps?

I know international rugby is unforgiving, but don’t spit the sweet out just because it has lost its taste, there’s often a bubblegum centre! The second album is always tough, but please fans- at least let them play the album. If there are slip ups, then it’s a coaches job to act on it. But until then don’t panic! 

So whilst picking a player on form is important, and provides competition, rugby is also structured. Sadly sometimes, the best you’re playing just isn’t good enough. It shouldn’t be personal, it's just not the direction needed. It’s a tough pill to swallow I know, but Biggar had his chance, and didn’t take it like Priestland did. I’m not saying that chance won’t come again. But giving a lifeline to a player can be more inspiring than simply dropping them. It’s a tough call- but the right one. 

So fans, you need to calm down, everything is fine, the team will be great, and here’s a nice lolliPriestland to take the pain away.

Ps. *The reader should note that if he has a shocker to ignore all of the above.

@bonuspoint