The 'world class' talent who Tandy has to find a place for in Wales set-up

THE date is January 1, 2024 and, midway through a Welsh derby between the Ospreys and Cardiff at Bridgend’s Brewery Field, teenage No.8 Morgan Morse fields a kick.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

In horrible conditions, Morse uses his footwork, explosive power and pace to step past three defenders before running in a try from 45 metres out.

It is a try which leaves spectators gobsmacked and underlines why the then-18-year-old had long been viewed as a special talent by those working within Welsh rugby's pathway.

When this writer interviewed former Wales prop Paul James - who is now a coach within the Ospreys pathway - a couple of years ago, he had no hesitation in identifying Morse as the talent to watch out for.

“The clear standout is Morgan Morse who is going to be special,” James told WalesOnline at the time.

Morse, who is now 20, is reminiscent of Jac Morgan at the same age, not in terms of style, but in the fact he is a class above others in his age bracket.

The former Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera pupil has everything needed to develop into a high end Test player and Steve Tandy should waste no time in bringing Morse into the senior Wales squad.

His omission from Wales’ summer tour of Japan along with the U20s World Championship was met with widespread criticism on social media.