By Webmaster
October 16 2002

With the Autumn Internationals not too far away, Unofficial Ponty preview the chances of a number of players who could be included in Steve Hansen's 30 man squad.

International Call-ups

Brett Davey - Full Back - 8/10 chance of being called up

Never been part of the international set up before but with Kevin Morgan injured and Rhys Williams preffered on the wing then this could be Davey's chance to get that first cap. People have previously said that Davey is too slow to be an international full back but in recent games his improvement in speed has been noticed.

Gareth Wyatt - Winger - 4/10 chance of being called up

For some reason Gareth cannot break into the international squad. He has previously gained one cap against Zimbabwe and will be hoping that Steve Hansen has taken note of his lightening quick pace and ability to take on players. However, Gareth will not be too surprised if he is left out as he has witnessed it all before - a talented player who doesn't get the international recognition he deserves.

Sonny Parker - Outside Centre - 9/10 chance of being called up.

Sonny gained his Welsh residency this summer and despite a slow start to the season, he has quickly become the best outside centre in Wales who is available to play. Don't be surprised if we see him lining up against his home nation New Zealand.

Jonny Bryant - Inside Centre - 5/10 chance of being called up.

Bryant has had an impressive start to the season but his chances of being included in Hansen's squad are 50-50. He was desperately unlucky to miss out on the tour to South Africa in the summer but don't be surprised if Andy Marinos who is having a terrible start to the season is picked above Bryant. This is one of those cases where it is harder for a player to get out of the Welsh squad than into it. 

Neil Jenkins - Outside half - 6/10 chance of being called up

Jenks, the world record international points scorer is still doing well for Ponty but will his experience be enough to get him a place in the squad for the Autumn internationals. Will Hansen be looking to the future and bringing in Sweeney or will he look to the experienced players to see him through some tough encounters for the Welsh side? 

Ceri Sweeney - Outside Half - 8/10 chance of being called up

Sweeney has being in exceptional form at the end of last season and beginning of this season and Steve Hansen has signalled his intentions to include Sweeney in his squad by inviting him to national squad training sessions. He deserves a chance to show the world what Ponty see nearly every week - his strength, aggressive tackling and superb place kicking  should get him a place but will his goal kicking let him down?

Gethin Jenkins - Loosehead Prop - 6/10 chance of being called up

Gethin has been an instrumental part of the powerful Pontypridd scrum. So far uncapped by Wales, Lynn Howells made sure that his young prop was not thrown in at the deep end on Wales' summer tour to South Africa. However, with matches against Romania and Canada coming up, this could be the ideal opportunity to give him his international debut.

Mefin Davies - Hooker - 9/10 chance of being called up

Mefin, the Pontypridd captain has also played a pivotal role in the Ponty scrum and with Robin McBryde, another player who finds it harder to get out of the Welsh squad than into it, suffering from injuries recently Mefin could get another chance to impress. He made his very brief Wales debut against South Africa in the summer and should be adding to that during the autumn.

Robert Sidoli - Second Row - 8/10 chance of being called up

Hansen recognises that Sidoli is a player for the future and has shown his intentions when he took Sid to South Africa. A solid line out jumper and consistent performer in the Pontypridd team was last season told to improve his work rate around the pitch by certain people however his performances this season should be enough to get him a place in the squad at least.

Michael Owen - Second Row/Flanker/ Number 8 - 9/10 chance of being called up

Michael Owen has established himself as an excellent back row player and also as another option as a line out target. He started the summer matches against South Africa and so we shouldn't be surprised to see him starting matches for Wales in the autumn.

Richard Parkes - Flanker - 8/10 chance of being called up

Parkes has been injured recently but his superb early season form could get him a place in the 30 man squad. Parkes has been praised by coaches and players for his high work rate and determination and so should secure a place in the squad but with Hansen likely to pick Charvis, Quinnell and Martyn Williams will there be space for Parkes. Almost all Ponty fans will think so.

Geraint Lewis - Number 8 - 5/10 chance of being called up

Since rejoining Pontypridd, Geraint has been in inspirational form. However, he lost his place in the Wales squad whilst at Swansea and may find it hard to get it back. Don't be too surprised if Hansen leaves him out of the squad.

Unofficial Ponty predict 7 Pontypridd players in the 30 man squad.