By Lestyn - 03/09/03
September 3 2003

Out of the three merged regions, the West Glamorgan outfit have without doubt been the least controversial. But still some big names have left the region, will Lyn Jones's side be able to cope without them?

Losing Colin Charvis may have seemed a big blow at the time, but in the long term the region may benefit more. As the saying goes "no player is bigger than the team" and that probably rings true in this case. They seem set on building a team, not just throwing big names in the hope it may just pay off (what Cardiff are doing).

Another player to leave the fray is Hywel Jenkins for "disciplinary" reasons, curiously the Ospreys have signed a player sacked also "disciplinary" reasons Blues reject lock Luke Tait.

Signing from outside the region include two Welshman who featured in Wales's win over Romania last week, Swansea born scrum half Andy Williams and flanker Gavin Thomas both join from Bath. Samoan flyer Elvis Seveali'i is brought into make up for Johnny Vaughton's departure to the Capital.

Up front the two badly Permed Jones's will be key. Both Adam and Duncan have built up reputations for themselves through hard graft and have earned World cup call ups. Recent Wales under 21 captain Paul James is one to watch, and should get his chance of regular first team rugby with the Jones's absence early on.

Highly rated Huw Bennett could make the number two shirt his ahead of Barry Williams, but Jones could simply rotate the two. Bennett already capped by Wales is built like an Ox. Chris Wells who impressed with Swansea few years back, is looking to play some his first rugby for two seasons following a career threatening back injury.

I would have to say lock is a weak spot, Andy Newman and Gareth Llewellyn are two hard working locks, but Luke Tait doesn't have enough bulk to make an impact and his attitude isn't very good either. Jonathan Thomas may be used to add his presence in the second row rather than the back row. Thomas could be a key member of the pack, with his strong all round game and utility.

Even if it has seriously been depleted by departures, the back row still has a good balance to it. James Bater is a good ball carrying number eight, with Steve Tandy an elusive open side who works his socks off. Tandy's style, should see Gavin Thomas used as a blindside. Thomas has never delivered for Wales, but now is his chance to prove himself in Wales. I'm not sure he'll fit in with Lyn Jones's hard work ethos. Nathan Bonner-Evans is nothing more than average, but cover wise he can fill in at 6 and 8. Young Richie Pugh at open side has pace to burn.

At half back Andy Williams will be hoping to regain some of his old Bath form, understudy Ricky Richards is small but with a good pair of quick hands. Shaun Connor out muscled Lee Jarvis to the Neath number ten shirt last season, but should be second choice to the much matured talent of Gavin "look at my hair" Henson.

Gibbs is without doubt first choice inside centre, the problems start however for the Ospreys with outside centre where there are no natural outside's in the ready. James Storey had a disappointing last season last time around, because Jones kept playing him at 13, whereas the year before he looked more affective at 12. Storey simply lacks a yard of pace to play outside Gibbs. Tuieti on the other hand has pace, but may be too physical for the role.

Storey may end up in the centre anyway with the surprising World cup call up for Shane Williams, with Tuieti out on the wing which could just suit him with Gibbs at 12. Matthew Brayley another centre is rated highly down at St.Helens.

The other wing spot should be taken by Gareth Morris - who got his best form as a full back. At the back Durston will be lucky to get in ahead of Gareth Swales. Swales does the basics well and runs some good lines from fifteen, whereas Durston with all the talent he has, is something of liability. I think Durston could return to his old centre position come May.

Seveali's arrival will take the pressure off Shane Williams slightly, with two natural try scoring wingers now at the club. However when the grounds turn soft, one of them may have to miss out, for someone with more physical presence.

My Top XV for the season-

15.Swales, 14.Seveali'i, 13.Storey, 12.Gibbs, 11.S Williams, 10.Henson, 9.A Williams, 8.Bater, 7.Tandy, 6.G Thomas, 5.Llewellyn, 4.J Thomas, 3.A Jones, 2.Bennett, 1.D Jones

Reserves: Richards, Connor, Tuieti, Morris, Newman, James, B Williams,

During the World cup: Losing their entire front row is understandably a major blow, as is Llewellyn and Jonathan Thomas's presence. Shane Williams's pace will be sorely missed.

Verdict: Lyn Jones has shown in the past he has the ability to get the best out of any teams, but with a back row short on size it may be too much of an ask against more physical sides. - 7th