Can Stevie Wonder stop a potential crisis at 10? Well, That's What Friends Are For...
Stephen Jones's late call up to the squad cannot really be labelled a shock. Let's review here: the man has 104 caps for Wales, has made 307 appearances for the Scarlets alone and currently lies second in the all-time points table for Europe's premier club competition the Heineken Cup. Experience like that is invaluable, and his inclusion now only makes his omission last week all the more baffling.
I noted at the time of the Welsh training squad's announcement that there was surprisingly little cover options at stand-off; and lo and behold the incumbent 10 Rhys Priestland limped off the field in the final Heineken pool game of the season with what looks to be a reasonably serious knee injury. That leaves James Hook and Gavin Henson as the only clear options at fly-half... if you can call them that.
Hook, a vastly talented player renowned the world over is not by a long shot a consistent starter in the Wales first XV. Perhaps cursed by his plethora of talents on the field, the former Osprey has been shunted from 10, to 12, to 15 without being able to nail down any one position. The label of 'utility player' has been more of a hinderance than a help to him, as it has turned out with fellow Welshman Jonathan Thomas in recent times.
Henson... is there much to say that hasn't already been said? Everyone has their own opinion about whether his inclusion in the preliminary squad was justified. I myself think he is a hugely talented player, but 3 games for the Blues in two different positions for me isn't enough justification for inclusion in the national set-up. He's been out of rugby, let alone Welsh rugby, for quite awhile and thrusting him back in after only a few months is a very risky gamble.
That said, the Gatland-era hasn't exactly been gamble and risk-free. Many argued the selection (albeit last-minute) of Priestland at fly-half in the summer was a risk; he ended up being lauded as one of the best 10s in the tournament and a major player to watch out for in years to come. Gambling on either Hook or Henson at fly-half could turn out to be a masterstroke. But the fact remains, neither have really proven themselves internationally in this position, and arguably both function much better at first-receiver, operating inside a consistent fly-half.
With the injury toll mounting, it looks as though Wales could make the trip over to Ireland missing a third of their team; Priestland, Dan Lydiate and Gethin Jenkins all suffered injuries last weekend and preferred second row partnership Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris are both still carrying injuries. So many frontline players missing in a tough tournament like the Six Nations surely calls for a calm head and experience - no one epitomises these qualities quite like Stephen Jones.
It may be Superstitious, but I've always thought Jones has to be included, precisely for times like these. And For Once In My Life, it looks like I may be right..
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Our Welsh rugby bloggers
Jamie Powell
I’m Jamie Powell, a Welsh rugby exile living in east Sussex. My parents are from Ebbw Vale so growing up there was only one team for me to support! I watch all the Wales games and also try and watch as many club games as possible. I have also started to go to London Welsh games.
Lauren Murphy
Exiled Wirraller and Ospreylian trapped in the capital; by day I sort out the lives of others but by weekend I report on all things rugby for the womenfolk of this fair hemisphere.
When I’m not aiding and abetting the hot flushes of the femmes of terraces around the land, I help report on the RaboDirect Pro12 for some of the more serious websites, so I’ll be here to bring you the lighter side of goings on.
Jon North
My name is Jonathan North and as head photographer for Welsh photographic agency ASI I get to see a lot of Welsh rugby from up close. Through my work I enjoy rugby at all levels from the local club game right through to the national side.
In my blog I try and share my experiences from pitchside and the opinions that form there. As well as that I also include my latest photographic work to accompany my tales from the touchline.
Simon Lister
I live in Birmingham, raised in Swansea, I’ve just turned 32. I live with my wife, I’m a Welsh rugby fan as well as a huge Swans and Ospreys fan. Myself and a group of friends go away to Edinburgh/Ireland every year for the away fixture in the Six nations.
I get more excited about the Six Nations than I do about Christmas. It’s going to be a very difficult campaign with expectation very high due to us making the semi-finals of the World Cup. We have very difficult away fixtures in Dublin & Twickenham. I manage to follow most regional games on the internet so I’m able to see who’s in form etc. I shall be in Dublin in February for the fixture. I’m looking forward to seeing the Welsh players back at their regions, hopefully they will maintain their high standards.
Kumari Tilakawardane
I'm a student from North Wales – where, believe it or not, we know as much about rugby as do those in the south! I am a former captain of the Gogledd Cymru Girls U18 Team as well as being a qualified coach and referee.
I fancy I could give Gatland a run for his money and I'm almost always convinced I'm right and the ref's wrong – something I have in common with most of Wales I think, particularly after recent events...
As a lock and Number 8 I am an ardent supporter of the pack. Not one to shy away from confrontation on the field, the same goes for my reporting. Currently located in London, living with the enemy, so to speak... I have to make my opinion heard down here. So, let me hear you... Come on Cymru!
Rene Merideth
American with Welsh heritage and a deep love of Welsh rugby in her blood. So much so I blog from Los Angeles where International games are on at 6am!
Seb Barrett
My name is Sebastian Barrett. I'm from Cardiff. Like most Welshmen, I view rugby as the be all and end all.
Paul Williams
34 years old, but I look 44. I work in advertising and if rugby OCD is a legitimate syndrome, then I have it.
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In Wales, I suppose everywhere, there are those players whose efforts and contributions are constantly undervalued and those that are always overplayed, mostly in the press. In the minds of the supporters and the populace I don't think there is usually such ambivalence but the media and parochial patriotism may colour judgements. Stephen Jones, James Hook and Gavin Henson are sets of players that belong in the categories, SJ in the first and the rest in the latter categories. It taskes a few minutes of Stephen Jones being brought on to the field of play, now mostly from the bench, to realise how much he has to offer even now. He is one of the best organisers and raders of the game. Many do not comment on speed and talents but if his game is analysed the times he has broken through some great international teams, been instumental in creating moves will possibly surprise many. Maybe he is gathering too much moss on the bench for club and country. James Hook as you note, for Wales, has been hampered by his talents. However, he has individual brilliance which may not be the best thing a 10 in a talented back line has to be. He is better utilised in the back division where his talents can constantly be used. However the problem for James Hook and Gavin Henson is would they hold their positions in the young Welsh squad?