Freddie Thomas delivered a standout performance to help Gloucester secure a 23-5 victory over Bath in the West Country derby at Kingsholm, serving as a reminder to Wales head coach Steve Tandy of what he is missing.
The 24-year-old forward scored a decisive try and made 18 tackles and 18 carries in an all-action display. Thomas, who has played mostly at blindside flanker this season rather than lock, was left out of Tandy's latest Wales squad.
Gloucester's victory over Bath
Thomas's form has been central to Gloucester's success, with the side currently top of the Gallagher Premiership. Wales centre Max Llewellyn also crossed for a try two minutes from time to seal the win in front of a sold-out Kingsholm.
Jac Morgan finished the game as joint top tackler with 18, while also making 11 carries and two line breaks. Tighthead prop Archie Griffin and centre/wing Louie Hennessey were also in action for Bath.
Cardiff's defeat to Sharks
Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl praised Wales U20s captain Steffan Emanuel after Cardiff's 36-21 defeat to the Sharks, but pointed to a punishing five-day turnaround from their Northampton Saints clash as a key factor.
Cardiff lost to Northampton Saints at the DPD Franklin's Gardens in the Investec Champions Cup last Sunday and, despite wholesale changes for the Sharks game, the turnaround proved too much. "I do feel the turnaround especially with the backs cost us a little bit and fatigued the boys," said van Zyl. "So I do feel like we ran out of steam. Yes, we had fresh forwards but it just became too much."
Tries from Ethan Hooker, Matt Romao (twice), Jason Jenkins, Thomas du Toit and Ethan Bester, along with six points from Gianni Lombard and Siya Masuku, fired the Sharks to a bonus-point victory. James Botham (twice) and Josh Adams scored Cardiff's tries, while Jarrod Evans kicked six points.
Scarlets boss backs Page for Wales
Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies believes it is only a matter of time before Macs Page plays for Wales, despite being left out of Steve Tandy's latest squad. The 21-year-old wing has scored several tries for the Scarlets this season.
"It's great that we've got seven boys in there and a lot of people are saying we should have eight with Macs," said Davies. "What he needs to do is just maintain his form really. I think from a Welsh perspective Steve Tandy has probably got a situation he hasn't had before where he's got some really tough calls in most positions now."
Davies also praised Ioan Jones, a Welsh-qualified former England U20s star, who is set to start on the wing against the Stormers in Cape Town. "Since I've come to the club I look at Ioan training and the games he's played for us," said Davies. "He's a fabulous player and I think he's under rated."
