Scarlets and Wales forward Ryan Elias has been reflecting on playing against one of the best hookers in the world, the Argentinian captain Agustin Creevy.
He’s also been talking about being ‘apprentice’ to Wales and British Lions hooker Ken Owens and how he smashed his nose in the summer tour match against South Africa.
Carmarthen-born Elias, 23, was in the hot seat at today’s Scarlets press conference at Parc y Scarlets.
He covered a wide range of topics . . .
The Wales summer tour (taking in victorious matches against South Africa and Argentina) . . .
“It was a really good experience to go out to Argentina – and play South Africa as well. Two tough sides there.
“It was a good learning experience for me. It’s good to test yourself again the best – I was up again (Agustin) Creevy in Argentina. That felt good. It’s all positives. Good tour.”
The high point of the tour?
“Scoring that try against South Africa to win.”
About smashing his nose . . .
“It was quite funny really.
“I went for a counter-ruck against South Africa and it was like running into a brick wall. I ended up folding up like a cardboard box and my knee came through and hit me right on the nose.
“It wasn’t good. It’s good to have it (the nose) back straight now. The doctors did a good job, to be fair.”
About playing against Agustin Creevy . . .
“Obviously, he’s a big man and he’s renowned for his scrummaging.
“In the last Test, we both started. First half, it was like a game of chess and I was trying to figure out what he was doing. I thought in the second half we got some dominance and that was a real positive as well.
“(He’s a) Brilliant player.
“Line-out, scrum, he’s technically one of the best
“It was really good to go up against him and touch yourself against the best.”
Working alongside Wales and British Lions hooker Ken Owens . . .
“It’s a plus.
“He’s one of the best hookers in the world.
“Obviously, he’s a British Lions so I am learning from the best.
“He’s a good leader. We are both from Carmarthen, same school and same rugby club.
“He calls me his apprentice.
“It’s good to learn from him. He’s got a lot of time for me and I’ve got a lot of time for him. There’ a respect there between us.
“Hopefully, it’s a case of changing of the guard – and when he wants to retire I’ll take his place.”
Looking to the future . . .
“I have a game by game mentality. Hopefully, come the end of the year, I’ll get picked for the World Cup (for Wales). It’s no easy task. It’s very competitive. But its something I want to achieve and I’m going to try and get there.”
Video of today’s press conference (Full version has now replaced earlier edited version).
Ryan Elias Scarlets player information:
Date of Birth:
7 – 1 – 1995
Place Of Birth:
Carmarthen
Position:
Hooker
Having been thrown in the deep end when both Ken Owens and Emyr Phillips suffered mid-season injuries, Ryan Elias has gone from strength to strength since his debut in 2014.
From making his Wales debut in their Summer Tour of 2017, to becoming a key part during of the Scarlets’ squad during the international windows, he plays with an experience that belies his age.
From crash balls from the base of the ruck to accurate darts thrown in the line-out, Ryan has an exceptionally exciting future ahead of him, both at a club and international level.
Elias touched down for Wales against South Africa in the 22-20 summer tour win at the RFK Stadium in Washington.
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