Mike Phillips aims to repay the faith

Mar 7 2008 by Simon Thomas, Western Mail

MIKE PHILLIPS’ delight at finally competing on an even playing field is plain for all to see.

Back in the autumn he was told by then Wales coach Gareth Jenkins that he was going to be the No 2 behind scrum-half rival Dwayne Peel at the World Cup.

No matter how well he trained or played, the die was cast.

It was a set-in-stone pecking order that left Phillips a hugely frustrated man.

But following Jenkins’ departure and the arrival of Warren Gatland, the old order has been ripped up.

Now it’s current form that counts and that has seen Phillips get the nod ahead of Peel for tomorrow’s Triple Crown showdown with Ireland.

Having spent so long as Peel’s understudy – both with the Scarlets and Wales – it’s a big moment for the 25-year-old.

“I’ve been really very pleased with the way I’ve played so far during the championship and I was really hoping to be starting,” he said.

“I haven’t started too many games so I was quite nervous, but I’m delighted now I’ve been given the opportunity.

“Obviously Dwayne has got a bit more experience than me, but perhaps they’ve just gone with the guy that’s a little bit more on form.

“Before the World Cup, I got told I was second choice by the coaches then. It wasn’t a particularly nice thing to be told.

“But I just went away and worked harder. I put my head down and I was going to show them that I was more than that.

“I’ve sat on the bench more than anyone really over the last couple of years and it does get frustrating.

“But I’ve been really excited with this new management team and I’ve had my opportunities.”

Phillips started the first two games of the Six Nations, against England and Scotland, scoring the match-winning try at Twickenham to earn a bottle of champagne from defence coach Shaun Edwards.

When he returned to the bench to make way for Peel versus Italy, one wondered whether his unwanted nickname of “Splinters” was going to come back into service.

But having made a dynamic impact as a second-half sub in the 48-7 triumph, he is now restored at No 9 for the all-important trip to Dublin.

Understandably, the 31-cap Phillips is relishing life under the new Gatland-Edwards regime.

“It’s just given me a fair opportunity to show what I can do,” he said.

“If you play well they reward you and if you don’t you are not going to get rewarded.

“These guys have been around and they know their stuff. When someone is playing well they can see that and they’ll reward that.

“They have seen it all before. They have been at top clubs and they haven’t won the things they have because they are not good coaches. They are world-class coaches and know their stuff.

“I’ve been really happy with the way I’ve been playing and just delighted I’ve been selected and it’s up to me now to take my opportunity.

“Having been on the bench a lot, it does make it all the sweeter now to have the chance to show what I can do from the start.”

Having found his opportunities at Stradey limited by Peel’s presence, Phillips switched to the Blues in 2005 and had two successful seasons at the Arms Park before moving again – to the Ospreys – last summer.

He’s found himself having to play second fiddle to Justin Marshall for much of this season, but feels he has benefited from working alongside the veteran former All Black.

“What I’ve learned from him is he’s so headstrong and mentally strong,” he said.

“He’s got so much confidence and totally believes in himself. That’s why he did so well in the New Zealand team.”

Marshall’s confidence certainly appears to have rubbed off on Phillips, who has been a vibrant presence for Wales so far during the championship.

But he knows he will have to be at the top of his game this weekend, with his opposite number Eoin Reddan also having excelled over the past month.

“I’ve been looking at him on the video and he’s looking very sharp,” said Phillips.

“He’s been involved in Six Nations before, but he’s really getting a full chance now and showing what he can do.

“He’s got a good service on him, he can make breaks and he loves the box kick as well.

“He’s a very good player and one to look out for. We’ve got to watch him.

“If you give him a gap, he’s going to take it, so we are going to have to be on our toes around the rucks and mauls. Our defence is going to have to be spot on.

“He’s one of the game-breakers in their team, so we are going to have to be aware of him.”

Phillips concluded, “As a kid you want to play for Wales and it’s great to be out there and to be involved in such a massive game for Wales.

“I loved the game up in Twickenham, I’ll never forget that and hopefully we can have the same memories coming away from this one.

“I’m just trying to show everybody what I can do and influence myself on to the game.

“I’m trying to be a link as much as I can, while also showing my own game and imposing my size.

“You never know, it could be your last game for Wales, so you have just got to enjoy it and try and leave your mark

“Whenever I play I give my best and nine times out of 10 that’s enough.”

Hopefully that will be the case again this weekend.