Oakley gunning to grasp World Cup chance

WORLD CUP warm-up matches were made for players like Rhys Oakley – and the Wales flanker intends grasping his chance against Ireland at Lansdowne Road today.

Wales coach Steve Hansen has admitted around 10 places are vacant in his 30-man World Cup squad. That elite group will not be finalised until after Wales complete a tough four Tests in 14 days programme, starting in Dublin and continuing against England, Romania and Scotland.

Bristolian Oakley is among a handful of players given their first opportunity this weekend, as he makes his international debut alongside Cardiff's Nicky Robinson.

Four other uncapped players Andy Williams, Nathan Brew, Huw Bennett and Robin Sowden-Taylor feature on the replacements' bench.

"It's the biggest game of my life," said Oakley, who lives on the English side of the Severn Bridge in Thornbury, but qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born parents.

"Bristol's Heineken Cup game against Montferrand at the Memorial Stadium last season was big but this is a new stage, another step up the ladder.

"The most important thing for my career is to play well in this game and try and make a name for myself on the international stage. I would like to think the World Cup squad is within touching distance, but it all depends on how well you play when you get a chance. I will be doing all I can to get closer and closer to it."

Although Dafydd Jones, Martyn Williams and Colin Charvis are back-row certainties to travel Down Under this autumn, Oakley could yet thrust himself into Hansen's plans.

Selection for Australia would complete an eventful few months.

"It has been an amazing time for me, really," he added.

"I made my Bristol debut, had a baby two-and-a-half months ago, then Bristol were relegated and I joined Gwent Dragons before I received a call-up into Wales' training squad.

"I had a few options in terms of where I played next season, but I wanted to be involved with this Welsh squad, and the best way to be involved was to play in Wales. I like the way the new regions are looking, and I like the look of games we are going to be playing in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League. The standard is going to rise and rise.

"But I still want Bristol to do well. A lot of my friends still play there, and I would love to see them back in the Premiership next season."

Ireland will present Wales with formidable opposition, especially as skipper Keith Wood is back following an 11-month injury absence from Test rugby.

And if Wood was not enough to contend with, Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has recalled fit-again midfield star Brian O'Driscoll and number eight Anthony Foley following their summer's rest and recuperation.

"Ireland are full of fantastic players, and will be very tough opposition," Oakley said.

"They've got a solid pack and lightning backs, but I am looking forward to the challenge."

Wales will do well to stay within 20 points, given the youthful inexperience of their line-up, and a 10th successive defeat stretching back to last November is likely.

But if Oakley and some of his fellow World Cup wannabes put their hands up for selection Down Under, then Hansen is certain to deem today's Lansdowne Road mission a relative success, whatever scoreline materialises.