Williams tells Gatland to go with Peel in Ireland

Feb 29 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

FORMER Cardiff and Wales scrum-half Brynmor Williams has today advised Warren Gatland to start with Dwayne Peel ahead of Mike Phillips for the Triple Crown decider against Ireland.

In a bid for form and fitness Peel will feature for the Scarlets in their Magners League trip to face Ulster in Belfast this evening And if Peel comes through unscathed Williams believes he should be thrust in the Croke Park cauldron from the outset next Saturday.

‘‘Dwayne has areas where he could improve, the same as any player, but I think he is the man to start in Dublin,’’ said Williams, who now works as an S4C analyst.

“For one reason or another we haven’t seen the best of him this season, but I would pick him — provided he’s fully fit — for the game with Ireland.

‘‘Mike Phillips is more of an impact player than Dwayne is. “He made a major impression when he came on last week and can be a handful for a tiring side.

‘‘If you are going to use them both then that’s the balance you have to strike.”

Wales No.8 Alix Popham and Irish flanker Simon Easterby have been named on the Scarlets bench.

Scarlets: M Stoddart; D James, R King, G Evans, N Brew; R Priestland, D Peel; I Thomas, M Schwalger, D Manu, D Jones, L Reed, J Bater (capt), G Thomas, N Thomas.

Reps: P John, K Owens, D Day, S Easterby, A Popham, G Cattle, C Thomas.