Blues duo hope Gatland will request their services

Jan 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF Blues duo Gareth Williams and Jamie Roberts are hoping for a Wales call-up when new coach Warren Gatland names his Six Nations squad on Monday.

Hooker Williams and wing/full-back Roberts have been in good form for the region and have been linked with a place in the 28-man international party.

Williams has been the form hooker in the Welsh domestic game this season and has kept Rhys Thomas out of the Blues first-choice line-up.

“I would love to be called back in,” said Williams, whose last cap for Wales was almost five years ago.

“The team has been going well and things have been going OK for me.

“If I did get called up I would have the Cardiff Blues boys to thank for the honour.”

In contrast, 21-year-old Roberts would be receiving his first official call-up after impressing for the Blues at full-back and wing this season – his in regional rugby.

“If it happens I will have a smile on my face,” said Roberts, a third-year medical student.

“It has been a fantastic experience for me for the first half of the season and it would be the icing on the cake if I got called up. But my main focus is with the Blues and next week’s game against Bristol will be the biggest in my career so far.”