The returning Llanelli Scarlets scrum half came off the bench for his first match since New Year’s Day to secure Wales’s second successive victory in the competition. And British Lion Peel reckons the number of quality and experienced players at Warren Gatland’s disposal is a big factor in the Dragons’ revival.
Peel said: “I was really excited to get the opportunity and it was nice to get on the park. No one likes sitting on the bench but it’s a squad game and everyone is making an impact.
“All the replacements made an important contribution at a vital time and players like Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Gareth Delve made a difference when they came on.
“We knew that in the last 20 minutes, it was all about getting possession and then territory and that proved to be the case as the pressure eventually told with Shane’s try.”
Wales’s first win at Twickenham in 20 years last weekend has heightened the levels of expectation among the Welsh public. And Peel, who missed the historic victory with an ankle injury, hailed the Wales supporters who turned the Millennium Stadium into a cauldron of noise.
Peel said: “The fans were great and it’s always a special place. Welsh being Welsh, a win against England and everyone believes the championship is on.
“But it was more important for us to get a victory than to get a good performance. Now we just need to keep working hard in training and make sure we perform well when it matters. It’s all about gaining momentum and confidence.”
Peel’s 20 minute cameo was his first outing under new Wales Coach Warren Gatland and the Sale-bound No.9 insists he has been impressed by the new set-up.
“It’s been a fresh start for everyone and we’ve all trained hard to put a marker down. We’re all pushing each other really hard and that can only help the team,” he said.
