PLACES on this summer's British Lions tour to New Zealand are up for grabs at Murrayfield on Sunday, none more so than at scrum half where Chris Cusiter and Dwayne Peel will have a rare personal duel.
Peel will win his 40th cap though still only 23 and is enjoying an outstanding season while Cusiter is one of Scotland's few shining lights, a young player with a big future.
The pair of them are in competition with Ireland's Peter Stringer, England duo Harry Ellis and Matt Dawson and Wales number two Gareth Cooper for the Lions tour.
"I've played against Chris a few times and he's very sharp, very quick around the fringes and I'll have to keep an eye on him," admits Peel.
But he added, "We can't look at individual performances for Wales, we have to concentrate on the team performance and everyone must be focused on that.
"It's a massive task at Murrayfield and our record there is not great, other sides have been favourites going there and have lost.
"But to have so many fans going up there shows their commitment, and it's fantastic to have it."
Peel and the rest of the Welsh team are aware they will travel to Scotland as favourites which is an unusual occurrence in recent years at least.
"We've ironed that one out in training this week," said Peel. "Everyone understands that it'll be a massive game and we have to go in as favourites and just perform.
"We looked at the video of the France game and as good as we were we still turned a lot of ball over. Scotland will look at our tempo and try to slow us down, so we've got to look at that. We have to have the attitude that if we get the opportunity, if it's on, then we go for it."
Peel is delighted with his blossoming partnership with Stephen Jones.
"I've enjoyed playing with Stephen, we've got a great understanding and he's at the top of his game.
"He's enjoying his rugby, he's taken to France and the French lifestyle," he said.
"I'm very happy with things there and hopefully we'll be able to get a good foundation going again."
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