Peel display gives Gatland selection poser

Mar 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

DWAYNE Peel staked his claim for the Wales number nine jersey for the Triple Crown clash with Ireland on Saturday – but couldn’t prevent the Scarlets from stumbling to a 20-8 defeat at Ulster.

On Friday night, Lions star Peel completed his first 80 minutes of rugby since New Year’s Day to give Wales coach Warren Gatland a selection dilemma ahead of the trip to Croke Park.

The 26-year-old scrum-half was handed the No 9 shirt in the Six Nations against Italy but was replaced by rival Mike Phillips, who injected some pace and momentum.

But Peel put himself back into contention for selection with an assured display at Ravenhill.

“I was pleased with my performance and it’s great for me to play 80 minutes,” said Peel. “I haven’t played much rugby recently.

“I felt really good physically and much sharper in the second half because we had more of the ball. I’ve done all I can.

“It will be a tough test against Ireland but we’re confident going there. It’s a really exciting prospect to play at Croke Park and I’m sure we’ll rise to the challenge.”

Rhys Priestland scored all the Scarlets’ points, including a second-half try. But Ulster hit back with three tries through Isaac Boss, Mark McCullough and Neil Best to leave Phil Davies’ men trailing Magners League pacesetters Leinster by 10 points.

“Our first half performance let us down. We only had 20 per cent of the possession, which was poor,” added Peel.

“The conditions were extremely difficult. It was a very blustery day but in the second half we played particularly well and put them under a lot of pressure. But, credit to Ulster, they deserved their win.” Gatland was handed another fitness boost as fit-again Alun Wyn Jones and Sonny Parker both completed the Ospreys’ 9-6 defeat in Glasgow.

Ospreys coach Lyn Jones said: “Both players came through with flying colours. It wasn’t the greatest game but it was about them getting 80 minutes under their belts.

“Alun got through a lot of work, took some knocks and came through with a strong performance. They should be fine for next Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Dragons coach Paul Turner was left frustrated as his side secured a 10-10 draw with Edinburgh at Rodney Parade.

The Gwent region trailed 10-0 inside 15 minutes before Richard Fussell touched down.

But Turner fumed: “Our forwards were outstanding and put us in a great position to win the match.

“But we were tactically naïve and it’s hugely frustrating.”