A lack of training time has counted against Louis Rees-Zammit in his bid to break into the Wales team this weekend.
The teenage sensation has scored 10 tries in 12 matches for Gloucester this season, earning him a place in the Wales squad for the Championship.
But he has missed out on the matchday 23 (full details here) for the Italy clash having not trained as much as his rivals for the wing position.
He played for Gloucester in Toulouse on Sunday, January 19, meaning himself and Owen Williams arrived in camp late on the first day of training.
To compound that, he also checked in at the team’s Vale Resort training base with an injury, so was unable to get out on the training paddock straight away.
Being based in England, he then had to return to his parent club last Wednesday, so didn’t train with Wales at the end of last week.
Meanwhile, the other wingers in the squad have been in camp full time.
“When we selected Louis, we looked at the Italian game as being a possibility,” said Pivac.
“But unfortunately he came into camp with an injury and couldn’t train much last week, I think he had the one run. Then, of course, being an exile, he had to go home.
“He hasn’t had the opportunities that Johnny McNicholl and Josh Adams have. It’s counted against him, the injury and the unavailability.
“It’s just been too short a time for him.
“But, certainly, on Tuesday when he trained he looked good. He’s definitely got a big bright future in the game.”
Rees-Zammit has just signed a lengthy deal with the Cherry and Whites, with the club having identified his long-term prospects.
They tied him down to the deal before he was named in Wales’ Six Nations squad and, given that he is still an uncapped player, it won’t impact on his eligibility for Wales.
But it sounds as though it will harm his chances.
When asked about the 18-year-old’s new contract, Pivac said: “Louis and I have had a chat about that.
“The more players we have playing in Wales does benefit us when we’re in camp.
“There’s no doubt about that.”
