Blues Backs 2003/2004

By Lestyn (18/07/03)
July 20 2003

BLUES BACKS 2003/2004
Name
Position
Age
Height
Weight
Rhys Williams
Full Back
23
5ft 11ins
13st 7lbs
Still hasn't fulfilled his massive potential. An exciting prospect when he finds a bit of space, but in the tight not quite as affective. His defence has improved, but he's still not comfortable collecting high balls.
 
Donavan Vuuren
Full Back / Centre
26
6ft 0ins
14 4lbs
South African brought in as cover for Rhys Williams. Rarely appeared last season and is likely to do the same this season.
Craig Morgan
Wing
24
5ft 11ins
14st 0lbs
Not the prolific try scorer he used to be, Morgan went into something of a confidence crisis at the end of last season. Fragile defence is one of his main weak points, something he'll really need to work on with Vaughton likely to push him or Walne for a starting place. If he can get back to the form of two years ago, he will easily walk back into the Welsh Team.
 
Nick Walne
Wing / Centre
27
6ft 4ins
15st 0lbs
Great comeback season from Walne, who for parts looked very good on the wing and also at outside centre. However he tended to fade in and out of games too often.
 
Jonathan Vaughton
Wing
21
Had a great first season in pro rugby with Swansea finishing as top try scorer due to a great eye for the try line. Probably would have had more first class rugby with the Ospreys, but wanted to go to University in Cardiff.
 
Dean Dewdney
Wing / Scrum Half
28
5ft 10ins
12st 9lbs
Very much a utility player. Capped twice in his native Zimbabwe, Dewdney has spent the last two seasons in Wales first with Neath and then Cardiff. Only really given a run in the starting Cardiff fifteen at the end of last season, but did take his chances very well. But doubts remain other whether or not he can compete at this level.
 
Tom Shanklin
Centre
23
6ft 2ins
15 0lbs
A much improved season saw Shanks cement a place in Hansen's squad. Generally a more all round player, has done his international future no harm by moving to Wales.
 
Jamie Robinson
Centre
23
6ft 2ins
14st 0lbs
Brother of Nicky, Jamie started off last season in great form and after a dip in the middle finished it off in great style. Got into the Welsh starting XV against Australia due to other's injuries, but went on to score the only Welsh try.
Matt Allen
Centre
30
6ft 2ins
15st 2lbs
Former England "A" centre who can fill in both centre roles. Makes up for his lack of pace with his strength and solid defence. Unlikely to feature when Shanklin and Robinson return from the World Cup. Only on a one year deal, so expect him to return home next season.
 
Pieter Muller
Centre
34
6ft 3ins
15st 7lbs
One of the best foreigners to play pro rugby for a Welsh club, Muller is now very much a veteran. The big South African like Allen is only likely to feature during the World Cup. In his final year before retirement he'll be looking to make a big impact in the games he does play in.
 
Iestyn Harris
Outside half / Centre
26
5ft 10ins
15st 0lbs
In his first full season with Cardiff he proved to be a revelation, showing a lot more composure and control. His kicking game has also become a lot more sound. By far the most creative player in Wales at the moment, Harris will probably start at 10 for the Blues, whereas he's made the Welsh 12 jersey his own.
 
Nicky Robinson
Outside Half
21
6ft 1ins
14st 7lbs
Inconsistent youngster with bags of potential. Has so far proved too much of a liability in big games, especially with his kicking. With Iestyn off to the World Cup he'll have the chance to put together some solid a run displays, but Nick Macloed could start to push him for his spot.
 
Ryan Powell
Scrum Half
23
5ft 8ins
13st 8lbs
Behind a pack that spent most of last season going in the wrong direction, Powell still pushed for Welsh honours. Strong as an ox, but still needs to work on that pass.
 
Richard Smith
Scrum Half
30
5ft 10ins
13st 0lbs
The more experienced of the two scrum halves. Returned to Wales last season, after disappearing to England to play first division rugby. Proved a very useful alternative to Powell, and was unlucky not to make Wales's tour down under.
 


 

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