UNCAPPED centre Willis Halaholo is one of three Cardiff Blues players to be called into the Welsh squad ahead of the Scotland game, along with Lloyd Williams and James Botham.
Centre Halaholo was named in Pivac’s squad for a game against the Barbarians in 2019, however after the selection he suffered a knee injury which kept him out of action for 11 months. The New Zealand born centre qualifies for Wales on residency grounds, having joined the Blues in 2016. The former Super Rugby winner with the Hurricanes has scored twice for the Blues this season. There were talks that veteran 94 cap centre Jamie Roberts would’ve had the call, but he’s stayed with the Dragons ahead of their Pro14 fixture against Edinburgh on Friday.
Lloyd Williams has been recalled after being called up late to the squad in the Autumn, playing his first game in four years in a Wales shirt. He’s had the nod over Rhys Webb who many people expected to be called up after the injury to Tomos Williams.
22-year-old flanker James Botham is the third to have been called up after a tournament ending injury to Dan Lydiate. Botham comes in after making his Wales debut in the autumn against Georgia, also playing against England and Italy.
Blues fan Carys Evans spoke about the call up for trio, “I think Botham is excellent, he’s a great player to have on the bench to come on for Josh Navidi or Justin Tipuric. I was surprised he wasn’t in the original squad.”
“As for Lloyd Williams he’s a talented player, but I was surprised that Rhys Webb didn’t get the call, especially after his performance against Connacht. “
“Willis Halaholo is a very elusive player with a threatening side-step. I think his creativity in midfield could be a pivotal inclusion in the Welsh side. It’s worth noting that he was named in the first team Pivac selected as Head Coach, so he obviously has faith in his ability.”
On some of the criticism Halaholo has faced for deciding to represent Wales she stated, “I totally disagree with the comments. He deserves his selection, he is eligible and the laws of the game have been interpreted accurately.”
Wales are without injured quartet Dan Lydiate, Tomos Williams, Hallam Amos and Johnny Williams for the trip to Murrayfield on Saturday.