Wales’ Taine Basham v Scotland’s Hamish Watson – battle of the flankers could be key in Cardiff
Scotland will be seeking a first away victory against Wales in 20 years.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scotland will target a first victory in Cardiff for 20 years on Saturday when they tackle Guinness Six Nations opponents Wales
And two of the key performers are likely to be flankers Taine Basham and Hamish Watson
Basham, who has been switched to blindside for the clash, and openside Watson will be ones to watch as the opposing packs battle for supremacy.
Here, the PA news agency assesses an intriguing contest.
Taine Basham – Dragons
Position: Flanker
Age: 22
Caps: 8
Debut: versus Canada, 2021
Height: 6′ 0″
Weight: 14st 11lbs
Points: 15 (three tries)
It is not stretching the point to claim that Basham has been the find of Wayne Pivac’s Wales coaching reign. The Dragons flanker only made his Test debut last summer, but he shone against southern hemisphere heavyweights New Zealand South Africa and Australia earlier this season, then in adversity against Ireland last weekend he scored a try and was top of Wales’ charts in terms of carries, metres made and tackles made. At just 22, he is currently one of the first names on Pivac’s team-sheet, having served his apprenticeship at Talywain and Cross Keys rugby clubs before entering full-time professional rugby. He looks to have a long international career ahead of him.
Hamish Watson – Edinburgh
Position: Flanker
Age: 30
Caps: 46
Debut: versus Italy, 2015
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 15st 3lbs
Points: 30 (six tries)
Edinburgh forward Watson has proved an integral part of Scotland’s renaissance under head coach Gregor Townsend A consistently-impressive contributor, his pace, outstanding work at the breakdown and relentless tackle-count make him one of the most dynamic back-row operators around. He became only the second Scotsman after current captain Stuart Hogg to be named Six Nations player of the tournament when he won that accolade last season, and then he gained selection for the British and Irish Lions’ South Africa tour, featuring off the bench in their third Test defeat. Scotland are shaping up as serious Six Nations title contenders as the countdown continues to next year’s World Cup in France, with Watson firmly established among Townsend’s on-pitch lieutenants.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments