News

07/08/2008 - Stoddart: I'll learn my boks' lessons

Scarlets full-back Morgan Stoddart believes he will emerge a better player by learning the harsh lessons of his South African experience.

Stoddart, who won the Evening Post player of the year trophy for last season, enjoyed a memorable campaign despite the Scarlets having a poor season.

Following impressive Magners League form, Stoddart make a try-scoring Wales debut against the Springboks in Cardiff and, after continuing in a similar vein for the region, he received a call from national coach Warren Gatland to tour the Republic in June.

That all came in a first full season of senior rugby for the 23-year-old.

However, his lone appearance on the Boks tour - 26 minutes as a replacement for Jamie Roberts in the first Test hammering in Bloemfontein - proved a chastening experience for the strong-running No.15.

Stoddart came on with the Boks in rampant mood and was exposed defensively for two of the home side's four tries. He was then omitted from the 22 for the much-improved performance in Pretoria a week later.

"Obviously the tour did not go as I would have wanted, but, hopefully, I will learn a lot from it and I think it will make me a better all-round player," he said.

"After that first Test Warren and Shaun (Edwards) spoke to me about the areas I need to work on.

"I have been looking forward to getting back into training with the boys and hopefully I can start the season strongly.

"It was my first full season of senior rugby last year and I was generally pleased with how it went.

"Picking up two caps for Wales is something I couldn't really have dreamt about."

ROBERT LLOYD