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Shanklin featuring against Italy

Laulala: Shanklin should have been a starter

9 April 2010, 10:26 am

By Sportsbeat

Tom Shanklin should have been a mainstay of Wales' RBS 6 Nations campaign, according to Cardiff Blues team mate Casey Laulala.

Centre Shanklin didn't start any of Wales' five games under coach Warren Gatland despite being part of the 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam campaigns.

New Zealand international Laulala - who has two caps for the All Blacks - has seen first-hand what the 30-year-old has to offer for the Blues.

And Laulala insist he's amazed two-time Lions tourist Shanklin isn't given a more prominent role for his country.

“I don't know why Shanklin didn't get to play this year for Wales - he's so good,” said Laulala.

“But that's the point, it's only one person's opinion so you can't really complain. It's unfortunate he's been injured a bit this season, but I think he's great.”

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