News

Peel ready to shine once again

August 01 2008

For Dwayne Peel the coming season is going to be one long fight for selection for both club and country.

At Sale he will do battle with England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth, whilst at international level he will be looking to oust Mike Phillips from the number nine shirt.

A daunting task indeed, but the 61-times capped Peel has been given a ringing endorsement by former British and Irish Lions scrum-half Dewi Morris.

Despite a torrid season last year, in which he was plagued by injury and forced to play second fiddle for much of the Six Nations, Morris believes Peel has enough ability and skill to bounce back and rediscover his form of old.

"I think Dwayne will prove to be a very good signing," Morris told The Western Mail.

"His form with the Scarlets fell off a bit last season, but that happens to even world-class players and, make no mistake, this guy is world class.

"Dwayne won't be a weakness in any way, shape or form. You need quality people who have gained experience at the top level and he will provide that."

Having missed Wales' tour to South Africa whilst he recovered from shoulder surgery Peel is set to make his comeback during Sale's pre-season fixtures.

Morris expects the 26-year-old to have the edge in the all-international contest for a starting spot at his new club, a club Morris himself played for.

"I think, given his extensive experience, you would have to say that right now Peel would be ahead of Wigglesworth in the pecking order," Morris said.

"Having broken into the England set-up last season, Wigglesworth would have been on the crest of a wave and I thought he performed admirably during what has been a difficult time for England.

"So he will have been disappointed to only be selected for the England Saxons squad next season, but you can bet he will more than keep Peel on his toes. It means Sale have got two very, very good scrum-halves.

"From Philippe Saint-Andre's point of view, he knows it's now a 22-man game.

"The season is so physical, intense and brutal that you need quality back-up and we all know that number nine is the most important position on the rugby field!

"I also think Peel's recruitment shows good intent from owner Brian Kennedy and the club as a whole that, as with Mathew Tait as well, they are bringing in players of proven quality.

"It means they are investing in the future and that future, as far as Sale are concerned, should mean silverware."

As well as Morris another former England and Sale scrum-half, Steve Smith - now a director at Edgeley Park - expects Peel to be raring to go as he bids to reconfirm his position as one of the world's top number nines.

"He will have been disappointed that he was dropped from the Wales team that went on to win the Six Nations Grand Slam and he'll be keen and hungry, as will Richard," Smith said.

"So you are going to have two top class scrum-halves going head-to-head and it will be fascinating.

"In terms of Dwayne's arrival at Edgeley Park, I'm a great believer in competition."

Peel himself is relishing the challenge that lies ahead having made good progress following his shoulder operation.

"The surgery and rehab have gone well and all I want now is an injury-free season for club and country," Peel said.

"I still want to play for Wales and that doesn't change by moving to Sale.

"It is just a case of playing club rugby in the Guinness Premiership."

With Phillips set to be out of action until the end of September, due to knee surgery, Peel knows he has an early chance to catch Warren Gatland's eye as he bids to wear the number nine shirt for Wales in November.

So Peel will be out to make a rapid impression with Sale, whose Director of Rugby Saint-Andre is expecting big things from him.

"Dwayne's arrival is excellent news for the club and our supporters," said Saint-Andre.

"He is a world-class scrum-half and, together with Richard, it means we will have two young, international players covering the number nine position.

"Dwayne will only help Richard improve. Competition for places is good, it keeps you on your toes and makes you a better player."

One player not so happy to see Peel arrive at Sale was Wigglesworth, who admitted he was slightly surprised when the signing was announced back in January.

"I am not going to say I was delighted," said the 25-year-old.

"I went into the office and spoke with Philippe about it. But he was very positive about me and sees me as a big part of his plans and I hope that continues."

Sale begin their pre-season preparations by heading out to France this week for a trip that will take in matches against top-flight clubs Perpignan and Montpellier.

They return for Edgeley Park clashes with Leeds and Lyon, with Peel likely to return to action in one of those games.