Shingler keen on Morgan match-up
Aaron Shingler has said he would “love the chance” to play against Scarlets teammate Ben Morgan when Wales bid for the Triple Crown against England at Twickenham later this month.
Shingler impressed on his Wales debut when starting in place of injured captain Sam Warburton during the 27-13 Six Nations win over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.
The 24-year-old openside flank did not appear overawed at all as Wales made it two wins out of two in this season’s Six Nations to move top of the table.
Having beaten Ireland in their tournament opener, World Cup semifinalists Wales can complete a clean sweep of the other three ‘Home Unions’ and so claim the Triple Crown trophy if they defeat England at Twickenham on February 25.
But although Warburton, if fit, should return to the starting line-up for the third leg of what Welsh fans hope will be the third leg of a Grand Slam, Shingler’s display in Cardiff could well see him retained in the matchday 22.
Meanwhile Scarlets No.8 Morgan is in line to start after impressing off the bench during England’s Six nations wins over Scotland and Italy.
“I’ve had plenty of contact with Ben,” Shingler said.
“Whether I will get a chance to play against Ben, who knows? But I would love the chance to play against him.
“Ben is a superb player, and he is certainly in a bit of form at the moment.”
Shingler’s call-up at the weekend meant he beat brother Steven to a first Test cap.
Steven Shingler, a centre with English Premiership side London Irish, was selected in Scotland’s Six Nations training squad last month, qualifying through his Dumfries-born mother.
But the Welsh Rugby Union contested his eligibility on the grounds he’d already played for Wales Under-20.
The International Rugby Board are set to hand down a ruling on whether Steven can play for Scotland and Aaron said: “It would have been great had Steve been involved [in the Wales-Scotland match], but it was not to be.
“I think he has got a hearing at the end of this month, and good luck to him,” he added.
Wales coach Warren Gatland praised Shingler’s performance after the Scotland match, saying: “He had a good game, he made a couple of good carries. He has to be pretty happy with his debut in front of 74,000 at the Millennium Stadium, winning his first cap and getting a win.”
Born in Aldershot, southern England, Shingler was once a promising young cricketer with Welsh county Glamorgan.
“I was with Glamorgan for a few seasons, but then I decided to play a bit of rugby,” he said. “I would have gone back to cricket, but the rugby went well, and here I am.”
AFP
