Why do Wales keep picking Mike Philips?

I think he is the best 9 we have, but there is one major gripe I have with him - the time he takes to get the ball away from ruck.

I end up shouting at the screen, teh opposing team can still challenge for it, and turn us over. I don't know why they don't get that sorted from the after-match videos and during training

Dwayne 'boxkick' Peel was too predictable in my book

I must ask teh same question of the English - why did they pick Lee Dixon? he was atrocious, and should have been penalised at least 10 times for time wasting.

I'm not a fan of his either as he does take too long shouting and pointing and not enough time getting the ball and maving it on to the next phase of play but he has been playing well since the world cup and Wales' other scrum halves haven't been as consistant. Personally, I think Dwayne Peel should be first choice scrum half but Gatland is only going to be looking at younger players to replace Philips.

I'm an australian, and I was in NZ at the WC and saw Wales play twice (Quarter and semi). That's about all I saw of him. But he was very good. Doesn't throw stupid passes or do crap kicks (like a certain wallabies and reds halfback). He seemed to give a half decent pass as well.

You do realize that he dosen't intentionally not pass the ball. He is only doing what the coach tells him to do. And the truth is, he is selected because he plays the style of game that the Wales coaches want him to play. Just like any other player.

Stop Press: 6 Nations, Wales, Played 3, Won 3, Triple Crown achieved.

Somewhere in there is the answer to your question.

EDIT

Of course I am not suggesting every player is beyond scrutiny.

What I am suggesting is that you tinker with a successful team and its tactics at your peril.

In short "if ain't broke don't fix it".

If Warren Gatland thinks Philips is overdoing a particular tactic I am sure he will tell him, but not in public. On the otherhand, of course, Philips may simply be following Gatland's instructions in the first place. You and I will never know. How do you know Wales could be better without him ? Have you got a crystal ball ? Of course at this point I could say "Yes ! Crap response in your additional details" however I am far too polite for that.

He isn't your usual and average "technical" scrum half, but he does gain ground, passes and kicks well and is a big lad for the position he plays so, therefore, is a pain for his opposite number. He bashes into the opposition, whereas 2nd choice, Lloyd Williams plays a completely different game, so if Mike's game plan is not working, we have a someone who can and has replaced him, changing the whole direction of the game, rest him for the Italian match, but we need his strength and depth against France!

Well you don't just switch from scrum-half to back-row in the middle of your international career, and he is actually pretty good at picking and going. Also, Wales use a play to the touchline style, and he is instrumental in that - not many other Welsh scrum-halves do it as well as him.

I agree... maybe they should give Scott Williams a start at no.9 against Italy and leave Phillips on the bench. They should have WAY too much nouse for the Italians... so they could afford to gamble a bit.