Charvis still chomping at the Test bit
Wales veteran Colin Charvis insists he still has a healthy appetite to play for his country despite winning the last of his 84 caps 14 months ago.
The 34-year-old Dragons back-rower insists he would not be taking his place in Wales’ 28-man squad for the two Tests against Australia in Sydney on May 26 and Brisbane June 2 if the ambition to play international rugby did not burn brightly.
“I still want to play international rugby. There’s no doubt about that,” said the former Wales captain, who has been overlooked throughout Gareth Jenkins’s reign as coach.
“I wouldn’t put my hand up to go on tour just for the suntan. It’s because I want to represent my country that I’m going.”
And Charvis believes Wales can be competitive against the Wallabies despite Jenkins deciding to leave 18 frontline players back home to prepare for the Rugby World Cup in September.
“Forget the hidden agendas about World Cup selection – we have got to concentrate on winning two Test matches,” added Charvis.
“That’s what we should all focus on going out to Australia. It’s a huge challenge going out there. They have rebuilt over the last 12 months, so it’s a case of focusing on ourselves and seeing how well we can do as a group.
“Australia are a very good team. I anticipate that they have improved from the autumn when we drew with them.”
One player who has plenty to prove on tour is scrum-half Mike Phillips, whose main rival Dwayne Peel is being left in Wales.
But Phillips, who has sealed a headline-grabbing transfer from Cardiff Blues to the Ospreys, is refusing to let the pressure get to him.
“I’m looking forward to the tour and I can’t wait to get on the plane,” insisted the 24-year-old, who has won 20 caps.
“I’m not going to put pressure on myself because you don’t play as well if you do that. I’m just going to go out there and enjoy it and play as well as I possibly can. That’s all I can do.
“Three years ago, Australia was my first tour. I was very young and I didn’t figure. But hopefully this time I play a part in it and get some game time.
“The boys coming in will be determined to do well and try to win the games because playing for Wales away on tour is a huge honour. We will be giving 110% and doing everything we can to win the games, as well as enjoying it.
“There is pressure on us because you have to perform in the jersey.”
Coach Jenkins has been beset by injury and availability problems ahead of the tour departure on Tuesday.
Already, Dragons prop Rhys Thomas (ankle) and Scarlets wing Dafydd James (knee) have been ruled out, as has Hal Luscombe for personal reasons.
Thomas has been replaced by regional team-mate Jamie Corsi, while James makes way for Ospreys centre Sonny Parker. Luscombe’s spot has yet to be filled.
Jenkins hopes to name a ‘back three’ replacement for Luscombe after watching some weekend rugby.
The other problem for Jenkins is that his six Dragons players, including Charvis, won’t arrive on tour until six days after the main party because of their Heineken Cup play-off on May 11.
