Dwayne Peel On Wales New Boys Blacker And Costelow

Scarlets boss Dwayne Peel has been outlining the qualities of his young half-backs Dane Blacker and Sam Costelow following their call-up to the Wales squad for the autumn internationals.

The uncapped duo have seen their fine early season form in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship rewarded with places in Wayne Pivac’s 35-strong group for the November Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia and Australia.

Speaking first about the 24-year-old Blacker, who plays in his old position, Peel said: “He reminds me of a French nine really, a good footballer who is busy around rucks and able to move the ball quickly.

“He’s had to bide his time with us. Having two international nines (Gareth Davies and Kieran Hardy) up ahead of him has not always been great for him.

“It’s been frustrating for him. There have been times where he has been playing well and hasn’t had the nod, with two senior players ahead of him.

“But he’s worked hard and kept going. Every time he’s taken the field for us he’s been very, very good. His commitment to the group has been fantastic.”

Peel continued: “I like him as a 9. I’m a big fan of his. In terms of his ability to see gaps and see space, he’s right up there.

“You could put him on a Sevens pitch and he would look fantastic, I am sure. He is that type of player that can see things and make things happen around him. He has got a good voice as well and a good understanding of the game.

“He can play a high tempo game, he has worked on his kicking game a lot and he’s a support threat as well. He’s scored a lot of tries on shoulders for us.”

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for the Ynysybwl-born Blacker, who had very limited chances during his three years with Cardiff and has had to re-start his career at the Scarlets, showing further patience along the way.

“I think that’s testament to him that he has put his head down and worked hard. When you get opportunity, you have to deliver and that’s what he’s done,” said Peel.

“I am delighted for him. He has worked hard for it. Hopefully he gets his chance now for everyone to see what he can do because the times he has played for us he has been excellent in terms of raising tempo and finding space.”

Turning to 21-year-old fly-half Costelow, head coach Peel said: “First of all, he’s a great guy to work with. He’s really receptive of feedback, criticism, plaudits. He wants to get better every week.

“He’s an intense player. He’s craving getting better every day. Sometimes I have been on his case that he needs to enjoy it as well. He wants it so bad. He works so hard for us.

“He knows there are areas of the game he can get better at, but he’s a real threat as well with ball in hand. He’s shown that this year. He’s led well. He’s still a young kid. That’s the thing we need to remember. He’s growing his trade. He is a pleasure to work with.”

The 76-cap Peel concluded: “I am delighted for Dane and Sam. They are two young half-backs who have worked extremely hard on their games and taken their opportunities when they have had them. I am really pleased for those two, they are good kids. Massive congratulations to them. It’s great when you see young boys get their first call-up for the Wales camp.”

Flanker Josh Macleod is a third uncapped Scarlets player included in Pivac’s autumn squad. Before linking up with the Welsh set-up, the trio’s focus will be firmly on Friday’s night’s URC clash with Connacht out in Galway.