Cardiff boss Dai Young says he is “really surprised” at the omission of Wales regular Seb Davies from the squad for this summer’s tour of South Africa. The versatile Davies played in all but one of Wales’ matches this season, either at blindside flanker or in his regional position of second row, starting the last two games, against France and Italy, at No 6.
Yet there is no place for him in Wayne Pivac’s 33-strong selection. You can read all the news on the Wales squad here and take a look at Pivac's press conference here.
Davies' Cardiff coach Young said: “I am really surprised. When someone is an ever present, you expect them to make the squad. Seb has been a bit of a consistent over the last season, in the autumn internationals and the Six Nations, and, if anything, he’s been playing better over the last month or so.
“It’s just surprising because he has had the nod in all the campaigns to date. That’s the biggest surprise really. So I am sure he will be disappointed and we are disappointed for him.”
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Back row man Jim Botham is another Cardiff forward to miss out, despite having had an excellent season at regional level.
Young commented: “He has played really well, right across the back for us, at 6, 8 and 7. He’s been consistent in his performances, good both sides of the ball. I am disappointed for him and I am sure he is going to be disappointed as well.
“Obviously it is very competitive right across the squad and it’s not an easy job for Wayne and his coaches to pick a 33 because that’s not a lot. But the two from our place who have got a case to be really, really disappointed are Seb and Jimbo.”
Giving his thoughts, Cardiff captain Josh Turnbull said: “Seb is probably unlucky. It’s a difficult one for him. For me, I’d have him in the squad because he’s that type of utility player that you want. He is able to cover lock and the back row and do it effectively and there’s not many boys out there that can do that. With Jim, I’ve said to him he’s just got to keep his head down and keep working hard because he’s had a brilliant season.”
The 13-cap Turnbull added: “I have been through that mill plenty of times. You have just got to keep plugging away because eventually your consistency will be that good they just can’t ignore you.
“Jim and Seb have got plenty of time on their side. They are young boys and they will kick on from here. They will have big summers and come back chomping at the bit.”
