• Six Nations

Peel drafted into Wales squad

Scrum.com
February 21, 2010
Sale scrum-half Dwayne Peel has been recalled to the Wales squad © Getty Images
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Dwayne Peel has been called into Wales' squad for Friday's Six Nations showdown with France at the Millennium Stadium.

The Sale Sharks scrum-half has recovered from a groin injury and proved his fitness by playing 80 minutes for the Sharks in their 19-10 Guinness Premiership defeat against Leeds on Friday night. The 72-times capped No.9 replaces Scarlets' half-back Martin Roberts, who has been released back to his region.

Peel suffered the injury in Sale's Heineken Cup defeat at Cardiff Blues last month and left head coach Gatland with a major selection headache, with British and Irish Lion Mike Phillips also missing Wales' opening two games against England and Scotland. And Wales coach Warren Gatland believes Peel's experience will provide his side with a real boost.

"It was important for us to see Dwayne come through 80 minutes of rugby," he said. "But, once he proved his fitness, it's obvious that a player of his experience and talents would provide a welcome boost to any squad."

Scrum-half has become a real problem position for Wales so far in the championship, with Gareth Cooper struggling for form in the starting role. His Cardiff Blues colleague Richie Rees impressed off the bench in the defeat at Twickenham and the dramatic win over Scotland in Cardiff, and he is likely to be named in the starting XV when Gatland names his line-up tomorrow evening, with Peel probably set for a place on the bench.

Phillips, who has been out since October due to an ankle ligament injury, made his return to competitive action today in Ospreys' Magners League win over Connacht and may well come into contention for Wales' clashes with Ireland and Italy on the final two weekends of the Six Nations.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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