Basham can be best No.7 of lot says his ex-coach Jackman
BERNARD Jackman has tipped Taine Basham to become Wales' first choice openside by the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Basham has been included in Wayne Pivac's Wales squad for this summer's Test matches against Canada, and Argentina (twice) at the Principality Stadium.
The former Dragons coach gave Basham his regional debut at the tender age of 18 and despite Wales' embarrassment of riches at openside Jackman is adamant Basham can be the best of the lot.
“He is a special player and one of the most talented players I've ever coached,” the former Ireland hooker told TRP.
“He has something a little bit different, and I hope he gets capped and goes on to have a lot of caps. The Welsh back row is very competitive but I think he could be in Wales' first choice back row by the next World Cup.
“There's a huge amount of talent there but Taine has something very special. Honestly, this fella if he keeps going could pass all the other opensides. He's that good.
“In terms of raw talent, he has the ability to be a massive star and compete with all the other great back rows.”
Jackman likens the 21- year-old to Justin Tipuric who is currently one of the first names on Pivac's team sheet. And Jackman believes in time Basham could even usurp the Ospreys captain.
He said: “There's a touch of Justin Tipuric about him and that's meant to be a compliment because I think Tipuric is a phenomenal player.
“He's a more destructive ball carrier than Tipuric, but Tipuric is world class at bringing other people into the game. If Tipuric is in the wide channels he can run very well, he can offload, he can bring other people into space with his passing space, but Taine as an out and out runner is very explosive.
“Taine is different to every other openside in Wales. If he stays fit his potential is enormous.”
