Scarlets winger Macs Page has admitted his confidence dipped following his first Wales call-up, as he makes a compelling case for international recognition once again. The 21-year-old was selected for Wales' tour of Japan last year but did not feature during the trip, and his form subsequently dipped, leading to his omission from Steve Tandy's squads last season.
However, Page has rediscovered his best form in the opening weeks of the new campaign, scoring two tries in three matches and setting up another at the weekend. His performances have prompted comparisons with Wales legend Shane Williams from Scarlets coach Nigel Davies.
Confidence dip after Wales call-up
Page admitted he struggled to cope with the disappointment of missing out on making his international debut after receiving his first call-up. "After that season, I was on a high and then I dipped in confidence," he said. "I was trying to be a player I wasn't. It [playing for Wales] is something every Welsh boy dreams of, but I'm just trying to play well for the Scarlets and keep my head down."
The winger will hope his current form can put him firmly back in the frame for Wales, with his recent displays offering a timely reminder of the attacking threat he can provide. "Steve [Tandy] will definitely be considering him," said Scarlets boss Nigel Davies. "Someone who sticks a hand up like Macs has got to come into consideration. He'll be part of the debate."
Jac Morgan 'superhuman' in Gloucester defeat
Jac Morgan has been hailed as 'superhuman' despite Gloucester's 38-31 defeat to Leicester Tigers, with the Wales international earning praise for another all-action display. The flanker scored a try and continued to make his presence felt as Gloucester mounted a late fightback, scoring 11 points in the final two minutes to claim both bonus points and remain top of the Gallagher PREM.
Morgan's performance drew praise for his strength and determination, particularly in the final 30 minutes when he was arguably the best player on the field. "The Welshman scored another try for his new club as he managed to survive a tackle close to the try line, long enough for his teammates to arrive and smash him over the line," GloucestershireLive wrote. "Late in the game, he broke tackles for fun to get Gloucester in position to strike. Superhuman stuff."
Fellow Wales international Dewi Lake was given a six for his performance at hooker. Despite a wayward lineout throw, Lake impressed around the pitch and helped Morgan over the line with a powerful drive behind his compatriot. Meanwhile, Freddie Thomas received a five after being moved into the second row late in the contest, following an injury to England international Arthur Clark. Thomas was Gloucester's primary lineout jumper as they built their maul game, helping provide a platform for their late rally. Max Llewellyn was another Welshman to impress, earning a seven after coming off the bench as Gloucester pushed Leicester all the way in a thrilling contest.
England sweat on Feyi-Waboso as star sent for scan
England are sweating over the fitness of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso after the Exeter Chiefs winger suffered a hamstring injury that is set to be assessed with a scan. The 23-year-old was forced off in the 53rd minute of Exeter's 34-28 Gallagher PREM victory over Newcastle Red Bulls on Sunday after reporting discomfort in his hamstring.
Cardiff-reared Feyi-Waboso, who has won 16 England caps, is now a doubt for Exeter's Investec Champions Cup opener against French heavyweights Toulouse this Sunday. Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter provided a cautiously optimistic update on the winger's condition, suggesting the problem was not necessarily a serious one.
"It feels like he has overloaded his hamstring a little bit," Baxter said. "I don't think it is catastrophic. I don't think it is a proper twang. He carried on after he first reported it. Had another kick chase, came at the ball at full speed and chased back, but he just doesn't feel right. I expect that will get scanned, and we will assess it over the week. It is more than a concern than a long-term worry."
The injury is another concern for Feyi-Waboso, who has endured a series of fitness problems over the past couple of seasons. England face Australia, Japan and New Zealand in next month's internationals.
