Experience key at half-back

There has been a lot of debate around the half-back paring best suited to ameliorate a progressing Dragons team. Paul Turner has chopped and changed in his attempt to find the control needed to lead the black and ambers forward.

Turner, himself a successful outside-half, has already recruited many players in these positions in his short tenure so far at the club. A player who never escaped the pressure spot last season was Ceri Sweeney resulting in a move to arch rivals Cardiff Blues – but was he even a ten. I believe he dominated as an inside centre, far superior to his skills as a fly-half and I’m glad Ashley Smith wasn’t pushed off the scene to accommodate the 28-year-old Sweeney.

However, the key to success as an outside-half is consistency. Enter Shaun Connor, he is an experienced player who arrived from the Ospreys in the summer. I believe Connor provides the most control of our options and is a tactically astute player, whilst not being afraid to dabble in contact. However the 32-year-old, born in Panteg, is not a long term solution to the ongoing problem.

Does that mean we will be shopping to two years time? Not necessarily, Turner recognizes the importance of progression and this comes in the form of James Arlidge. The 29-year-old also rich in experience brings a different outlook on the game from across the globe. The New Zealand born, Japanese international has been educated through the Auckland system. The Auckland University student is quick, reactive and strong with a solid kicking game. Don’t be surprised if he changes a game in an instant.

Turner has placed one eye on a future plan. Jason Tovey at 19 has made the switch from full-back at Newport rfc to outside-half for the Dragons. Schooled at Cwmcarn Comprehensive and now representing Wales U20’s, he has always been aware of his own ability – having played against him, you should never underestimate him. He could remain silent for 70 minutes, but when that ball finds him, the defence are in trouble - all depends which Jason Tovey turns up.

Jason Tovey playing against the Ospreys.

The number nine shirt is certainly there for taking, with my personal selection Andy Williams being out injured with a back problem. The 27-year-old who transferred from Bath last season hasn’t shown his capabilities yet due to a series of injuries, but the talkative scrum-half offers good service and direction for the forwards, if he manages to get back to his best he is a definite contender for Warren Gatland’s squad.

There are a few very adequate replacements in Wayne Evans, Rob Lewis and Tom Isaacs. The first has improved immensely in the last year, only 24 Wayne arrived from the Blues in 2007 and took a while to settle but there is vast potential waiting to deliver. Lewis and Isaacs, only 20 and 21 respectively, are future starlets of the region and with Turner blooding them early he hopes both will reap the benefits. Their scurrying and running play is impeccable; expect them to light up games.

Although, I do believe our region is missing one of its young scrum-halves. Last season Alex Walker stepped into a pair of sizeable shoes, that of Gareth Cooper and injured Andy Williams and for me did not disappoint, in fact he was one of the most consistent half-backs in Wales. Now twenty-two Walker is plying his trade in English National One alongside Aled Thomas with London Welsh. Is that two more great players escaped under our nose?