With the Rugby World Cup looming, Melbourne Super Rugby coach Rod Macqueen believes Welsh recruit Gareth Delve can offer something to his national side that no other player can.
The 28-year-old Rebels vice-captain put his Test career in Wales on the line by leaving the UK to join Melbourne but Macqueen believes the fact that he’s playing in the Super competition makes him an even more attractive selection for Wales, given host New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are the world’s top three ranked countries.
“I think the fact that he’s playing in a southern hemisphere competition and understands a lot more about southern hemisphere games is an advantage,” said Macqueen, who steered the Wallabies to World Cup success in 1999.
“With the World Cup down here in New Zealand and playing against all those New Zealand and South African players, you get to know their play a lot better and that’s certainly an advantage for him.”
The first Welshman to play in the competition, Delve has proven to be one of Melbourne’s best signings, delivering consistently good performances during their erratic start to the Super Rugby season.
Macqueen said he hadn’t heard from any Wales officials but would be disappointed if they weren’t keeping a close eye on the No.8, who has played 11 Tests.
“This is a very high level competition he’s playing in and he’s done very well against his opposition.”
Rebels players such as halfback Nick Phipps, flanker Jarrod Saffy and winger Cooper Vuna have been mentioned as possibilities for the Wallabies for the September-October World Cup in New Zealand, while Delve is the best international hope.
England coach Martin Johnson made it clear he wouldn’t select players outside of Europe, ruling out the Rebels English five-eighth Danny Cipriani and hard-working flanker Michael Lipman, who were both already on the outer.
Macqueen was delighted with the form of both the Englishmen, saying they were worthy of consideration.
“Danny’s come over here being told that he’s not being considered and he understands that but from my point of view he’s showing that he’s right up there with the best five-eighths in this competition,” he said.
Ben S
Roar Guru
'Delve was there stand out player last season and a great backbone to the team from joining them..' I saw lots of Gloucester games last season, and IMO Delve was nothing more than a reasonable Premiership player. 'constantly gets rewarded as ‘doing the unseen work’ to offer reason for Gatlands choices!!' So you're implying that Jones is not a good tight forward? 'Powell and JT could have stood a better chance if they had not been moved around to compensate for Ryan’s determination to hold onto the jersey.' How can you validate this suggestion? Ryan Jones moved to lock without complaint. He has also played a reasonable amount of 6 for Wales. 'Anyway check the records, Ryan & Delve have a Try a piece for Wales, despite Ryan’s many opportunities wearing the shirt .' What is the relevance of that statistic?
scarlet
Guest
I watched him a few times and he seemed OK, what you would expect from a fringe Wales player, but not outstanding. He didn't appear to be a standout player to me, sorry, but so much of what we dribble on about on this website is purely personal opinion!
Jo
Guest
Obviously Scarlet you did not get to see many Gloucester games? Delve was there stand out player last season and a great backbone to the team from joining them.. Ryan is no no8 he is a very good lock but certainly does not play as an 8 and constantly gets rewarded as 'doing the unseen work' to offer reason for Gatlands choices!! Powell and JT could have stood a better chance if they had not been moved around to compensate for Ryan's determination to hold onto the jersey. Anyway check the records, Ryan & Delve have a Try a piece for Wales, despite Ryan's many opportunities wearing the shirt . I'm just glad he chose the Melbourne Rebels instead of the Cardiff Blues!!
Ben S
Roar Guru
I think the Welsh management are stunting a lot of good players. What probably hasn't helped Powell to settle is the fact that he's been switched between 6 and 8 and has never had a real run in the side as Gatland has fluctuated between him, Ryan Jones and Jon Thomas. That can't be good for a player's confidence. I was really impressed by Jones when he came on against England. Like you say, he provides go-forward, but he also does a lot of simple things right. He's a clever forward, and he always gives his all. Shame that Jon Thomas has faltered. I was always a big fan of his. He is yet another player who IMO has suffered from too many changes - 5, 6 and 8.
scarlet
Guest
I agree totally with that assessment. Powell still hasn't cured his weakness for going to ground too quickly and has never recovered his sparkling first season form. Has his play been found out, or is he being asked to do the same thing week in and week out by the coaching team? Don't know the answer to that but I have concerns that Welsh tactics are stagnating and that is being translated in to a loss of penetration and a stagnant back line despite some truly excellent players. Jon Thomas doesn't strike fear in to anyone, but at least Ryan Jones, when motivated, provides a lot of go forward.
Ben S
Roar Guru
'Wales may look at Delve but he wasn’t setting the world on fire when playing in the Premiership.' I totally agree. The fact that Lipman and Delve, two strong but not especially outstanding Premiership players, are performing so well in the S15 is quite informative IMO. I'd consider Delve were I Gatland simply as an alternative option to Ryan Jones. Andy Powell seems set to do his best never to reach his potential as a Test player, and Jon Thomas simply isn't an 8. I still don't think he's anywhere near a starting Test backrower, and I think he's probably a little bit too similar to Jones, but he's surely worth looking at?
Ben S
Roar Guru
Refusal to make what changes? This is just another one of your "Sonny Bill is rubbish!"/weekly tip claims.
scarlet
Guest
Actually, I think that England will do well, particularly if they can cure their major weakness which is in the centres. Lipman won't be needed by England as they have a lot of decent back row forwards. Wales may look at Delve but he wasn't setting the world on fire when playing in the Premiership. I haven't seen him play in the Super 15 as I generally only find time to watch the Waratahs. Maybe, like Wilkinson, the change to a warmer climate and different environment has liberated him. Also, it's pretty tough to shine as a running forward in the depths of winter here, the grounds are only now drying out and we are seeing more running rugby.
Justin
Guest
That is a pretty good selection Temba. I have grave concerns about Mitchells defence though. Its been pretty awful all year. On the wing he is guilty of giving his opposite too much room down the touchline and payig the price. At 13 against the Canes he was just disgraceful. Kingi is not a winger, going on that selection they would be better with King at 15 (a better broken field runner) and Gerrard on the wing. I also cannot see what Betham has to do to get a crack. He looked unreal v the Crusaders and has barely played a minute since.
TembaVJ
Guest
My Team for this weekend, Vuna's injury is a massive loss but Kingi has shown venom in the back three. Gerard will be back this week. 1. Rodney Blake 2. Ged Robinson 3. Greg Somerville 4. Alister Campbell 5. Hugh Pyle 6. Jarrod Saffy 7. Michael Lipman 8. Gareth Delve 9. Nick Phipps 10. Danny Cipriani 11. Richard Kingi 12. Stirling Mortlock 13. Lachlan Mitchell 14. Luke Rooney 15. Mark Gerard
Who Needs Melon
Guest
Agreed. He is VERY good at staying on his feet and not getting knocked backwards. A fantastic quality for a forward to have. It's not just about his weight and strength - a lot of it is technique, body position and situational awareness - you're not going to get it in the weights room.
TembaVJ
Guest
Pothale I know you take that as a dig at England but its not intended that way. I am not a fan of Martin Johnson, he should never have gotten the job and should have at least been fired soon after getting it. His refusal to make the right changes are based on ego rather than smart coaching. England should do well enough as they always perform better at RWC's but id suggest England wont make it past the semi's if they make them this time.
Pothale
Guest
What's close, Temba? Lose pool games and knocked out at pool stage?
Mike G
Guest
I must admit to not knowing a lot about Delve prior to this year, but I have say he's been one of the most consistent performers, not just for the Rebels, but the whole comp...Wales surely will be needing somebody like this at the Cup, no?
TembaVJ
Guest
England will not get close in this RWC, Martin will loose his job (finaly) and Cipriani Will play in the next RWC. Lipman and Delve are both fantastic players it would be a shame if they arnt called up. Delve is a great player and leader, I have had the pleasures of meeting him once, he is also a great man.