‘The Welsh master’ – Outcast Rhys Patchell sends message to Warren Gatland with superb Super Rugby Pacific start
Highlanders fly-half Rhys Patchell made his mark with a superb offload in the build-up to Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens's try against the Blues.
Wales international fly-half Rhys Patchell shone for the Highlanders against the Blues with a superb performance in Melbourne on Friday, but it was his stunning off-load which left a lasting impression
With the score deadlocked at 5-5, after early tries from Sean Withy and Hoskins Sotutu, the Highlanders launched an attack midway between the halfway mark and the Blues’ 22-metre line in their Super Rugby Pacific clash, which the Blues eventually won 37-29.
Withy ran onto a pass from Folau Fakatava before offloading to the on-rushing Patchell, who managed to draw in a couple of defenders.
Exceptional skill
Despite being caught in possession, the 30-year-old then got a pass away out of the back of his hand to Jonah Nareki, who was soon inside the Blues’ 22 where he drew in the last defender and got a pass out to Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, who had an easy run-in for the Highlanders‘ second five-pointer.
It was a brilliantly executed try and Patchell’s outstanding piece of skill left spectators at AAMI Park in raptures, while his spectacular offload also received plenty of praise from television commentators, with one referring to Patchell as “the Welsh master”.
Rugby presenter Andy Rowe said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Rhys Patchell would be in the ABs conversation if he was a kiwi.” Meanwhile, Tight Five Rugby commented: “That is absolutely outrageous from Rhys Patchell.”
Rhys Patchell would be in the ABs conversation if he was a kiwi.
— Andy Rowe (@AndyRoweOnline) March 1, 2024
Cameron Thomas said: “Rhys Patchell is going to have a mental highlights reel of his passes in Super Rugby,” in reference to another fine pass to Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, who subsequently scored a try for the Highlanders against Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific opener last week.
Where he stands with Wales
Despite suffering a defeat to the Blues, Patchell has hit the ground running since joining the Highlanders and his superb form will be a message for Wales head coach Warren Gatland.
Unfortunately for the fly-half, he currently does not qualify for Gatland’s men, given that he is just shy of the 25-cap rule but, after seeing his current form, the head coach may try and tempt him back.
Patchell decided to try his hand abroad when he was released by the Scarlets. His Wales situation also played a part, with the playmaker only featuring once in the 2023 Six Nations before he was then left out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.
The situation is even more interesting when you consider that the Welsh are struggling at fly-half following the retirement of Dan Biggar, with Sam Costelow and Ioan Lloyd incredibly callow at international level.
Someone like Patchell could be ideal for Gatland’s team but, at the moment, that will have to wait as he looks to continue his fine start to life in Super Rugby.
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