Rugby League: Paul big loss for NZ, says Davies

LONDON - New Zealand erred in failing to sign Kiwi league convert Henry Paul, brilliant former Welsh dual international Jonathan Davies says.

Paul, a part-Maori, was yesterday fast-tracked into a 26-strong England squad to play world champions Australia at Twickenham on November 10.

His selection came just five days after his first match for the Gloucester club since switching codes.

He scored 28 points in the 98-14 rout of European Shield opponents Caerphilly, to earn a meteoric call-up.

"I'm rapt, man, as proud as!" Paul said. "I didn't think it would be this soon. All my mates are English and I have lived here for eight years. I feel I know the people. I call England my home and have done for eight years."

Davies, who played rugby for Wales and league for Britain, said Paul would undoubtedly play in the centres for England, inferring he had been promised a shot at the top before joining English club Gloucester.

"No league convert will come to union unless they have international prospects."

He said that overlooking Paul was an oversight by New Zealand rugby powers because the All Blacks had not had a dominant midfield back since the mid-1990s.

"New Zealand haven't had an inside centre - a second five-eighth - since Walter Little. "They haven't had that balance in midfield. Henry Paul would have fitted well there.

"They should have looked at him, and signed him in."

Paul, 27, who showed skill in a range of backline positions in his 23 tests for the Kiwis, qualified for England because he has an English grandparent.

New Zealand should have ensured it took first option on a countryman, Davies said.

"If talent comes along, their country should look at them first - he is a New Zealander, isn't he?"

Paul talked to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union about a move to the Waikato Chiefs and the prospect of challenging for All Black selection, but the trail went cold.

After naming Paul, England manager Clive Woodward said he did not expect the rugby rookie to start in any of next month's tests against Australia, Romania and South Africa.

But he could come off the bench if selected for the final 22.

- NZPA