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Mark Orders

Shane Williams names the 'X-factor' outsider no-one is talking about who could make it into Pivac’s Wales squad

He's been flying so far under the radar he might have clipped a few chimney pots.

Headlines have been going the way of others, with Ryan Conbeer finding it hard to make major headway in a Scarlets side that started the campaign with a four-game winless run.

But the hard-running left wing banged in an eye-catching performance on Saturday evening which saw him repeatedly cause problems for defenders and also score a try. His big plus point is his ability to fight his way through tackles and make metres post-contact, with his strength and low centre of gravity making him hard to bring down.

Read more: Cardiff issue statement over probe into players' behaviour

And after the Scarlets’ morale-boosting 36-12 United Rugby Championship win over Zebre in Llanelli, he received plaudits from the most accomplished Wales No. 11 of them all, with Shane Williams classing him as a potential bolter for the national squad Wayne Pivac will name on Tuesday.

“I’m a big fan of Ryan Conbeer,” said Williams of the 5ft 10in, 13st 9lb player, whose admirers insist has no shortage of X factor.

“He’s massively effective, works really hard and is deceptively strong.

“He’s a player who seems to get over the gain-line every time he gets the ball.

“He’d be an outsider for me to be involved in this autumn series because of his work-rate. Because of his power-to-weight ratio, he scores tries."

Speaking on Premier Sports, Williams continued: "There are times when he looks like he’s tackled, but he seems to be able to pick himself up before hitting the ground and make an extra four or five yards.

“He’s a really, really strong player and an outsider for me.”

Much attention will be focused on Pivac's wing selections with Josh Adams picking up a bump over the weekend and Alex Cuthbert not having played so far this season, while Liam Williams and Owen Lane are ruled out by injuries.

Depending on Adams and Cuthbert’s availability, it could leave an opportunity for Pivac to have a look at Conbeer or Keelan Giles, who has started the season well for the Ospreys.

The Wales coach has the further option of using George North as a wing, with the 108-cap player having featured out wide for the Ospreys of late, while Johnny McNicholl will also be in the mix.

Read next:

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Wales' number 10s rated amid fitness and form issues days before squad announced

Former Wales captain warns rugby 'is on a cliff edge' and World Rugby must step in

Wales could name new rugby captain imminently as leading candidate emerges

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