Skipper backs Turnbull as he takes on Lydiate’s role
7:00am Wednesday 7th November 2012 in Sport
By Chris Kirwan
BIG CHANCE: Wales have gone with Scarlet Josh Turnbull on the blindside
WALES v ARGENTINA (Saturday, KO 2.30)
CAPTAIN Sam Warburton believes Josh Turnbull’s appetite for tackling makes him the natural replacement for Wales blindside Dan Lydiate.
The Scarlets back row forward will win his fifth cap when he starts against Argentina in the absence of both Six Nations player of the tournament Lydiate (broken ankle) and former skipper Ryan Jones (shoulder).
Interim head coach Rob Howley admitted that the coaching staff had considered fielding two specialist sevens in Warburton and Ospreys tyro Justin Tipuric.
It’s something that Australia have done to great success in the past but Howley, in the hotseat in the absence of Lions coach Warren Gatland, was not prepared to take such a risk at Test level.
“When you play international rugby you need to know your role from playing it week in, week out with your region,” he said.
Warburton, who will be under close scrutiny given Tipuric is among the replacements, believes Turnbull will help form a formidable back row combination along with Dragons number eight Toby Faletau.
“Josh will do a great job in the six role,” said the Cardiff Blues flanker. “He is a big bloke and can be a tackling machine like Dan. His work rate is up there with the best, he always has a high tackle count and will slot in well.
“Josh is also a good lineout option, can ball carry and will be a great guy to step up and do a job for us.”
The selection of Turnbull is just one of a number of tight calls that went the way of the Scarlets ahead of rivals from the Ospreys.
Hooker Matthew Rees starts ahead of Richard Hibbard while fly-half Rhys Priestland – who has failed to fire since the World Cup – gets yet another chance ahead of Dan Biggar.
“Fly-half caused a debate but we feel Rhys is our number one,” said Howley. “And in terms of his decision-making and his ability to facilitate the backline, Rhys has proved himself at the Scarlets.
“For Wales, the performances of guys like Alex Cuthbert, George and the centres, are probably linked to a number 10 getting the best out of his backline.
“There’s also his combination with Travis at half-back. Rhys has that experience at fly-half, something that is going to be vital first-up against Argentina.
“And when you have got Leigh Halfpenny kicking for goal with a success rate of over 80 per cent that doesn’t become an issue.”
Biggar isn’t even among the replacements as James Hook’s versatility gives him the nod but the Ospreys’ number 10 is set to get his chance against Samoa next Friday.
One player from the Liberty Stadium region that did get the nod is tighthead Aaron Jarvis, who will make his international bow when he deputises for Adam Jones in the front row with experienced loosehead Gethin Jenkins and hooker Rees to his left.
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