Blown out

Wales lost Colin Charvis and Martyn Williams to ankle and neck injuries, respectively, this week, but coach Mike Ruddock called up Neath Swansea Ospreys youngster Richie Pugh and ignored the claims of Dragons skipper Forster and Ringer.

Many fans have contacted the Argus this week to complain about their omission.

Forster was capped against Argentina only last summer but has since been left out and though he was recently sidelined with appendicitis his experience would have been invaluable.

Ringer has been outstanding right through the season for the Dragons whether at blindside or filling in for Forster on the open side.

"Blokes who are playing well are not getting a look in when you'd think they would," complained Anderson.

"I don't know the selection criteria, but both have played well for us, they've put their hand up for me all season and they're both unlucky.

"Jamie has played great all year and has got a real case. But they've both been playing well and I'd like to ask why they didn't get a shot. It's disappointing."

Forster admitted it was disappointing and also gave team-mate Ringer huge backing. "Jamie has been the form flanker in Wales all season, he's miles ahead of everyone else and has been really hard done by," he said.

"What message does it send out when Mike says he'll pick form players and then leaves form players out?

"I'm disappointed, I thought I might have come back though I've been out ill. I feel I could have done a job whereas Richie Pugh has not even been first choice all the time for the Ospreys."

But Ruddock has faith in Pugh, a Wales tourist last year, believing he is a player for the future while Ringer could be a victim of falling between two stools at six and seven.

Meanwhile, Ross Beattie is set for a recall to the Scotland team for their opening Six Nations game against France next week.

He was considered not good enough by Anderson to play for the Dragons so, disillusioned, joined Northampton where he has been a regular.