Haven't watched his video yet, but Rhys Patchell playing for the Highlanders looks like one of the best Welsh 10s I've seen in recent times. Only I wonder if he looks good because he's playing Super Rugby - and not European style.
this post was submitted on 08 Mar 2024
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I heard him once described as the "Ginger Prince that was promised" because he fit the mould of a Welsh 10. But he never really lived up to it. He seemed to get closed down a lot and never found space for himself. The international game has changed so much it's difficult to have an international 10 like that now and I just don't think he's good enough at it to go from club to international. Also he's not Gatlands kind of player.
Anscombe was a similar player but seemed to have better control of the game. I still wonder if him being injured cost us the world Cup.
Patchells over it now I think. Unless it ups his game in nz then gets called back I don't see it unless an injury crisis unfolds.
Also there is probably a lot more front foot ball in Nz than what he's used to playing for a Welsh club. He seems to thrive on that.
Ive been really impressed with his ability to read the opportunities from broken play, or at 3rd-4th phase when the defensive line is bending but not broken. He's got a lovely pass and given he's only in his 3rd game for the Highlanders is running the cutter really well which suggests he's a great communicator too.
I got to be perfectly honest this level of rugby is where my knowledge begins to show its limits. He just didn't ever seem to do enough to get himself the spot. The difficult moments, the real knuck down and hold onto a game, is where he struggled from what I remember.
Squidge did make a video containing him 6 years ago when he used to play. https://youtu.be/1pQnu5G_NQo
I guess ultimately Gatland and Pivac didnt see him doing enough though and now he seems too old to get back into a very young team that's just started a rebuild while he's overseas.