Harri Deaves has been called up by Wales following the campaign-ending injury to captain Jac MorganHarri Deaves during his first Wales training session at the Vale (Image: David Davies/PA Wire.)

Wales assistant coach Matt Sherratt says new Wales call-up Harri Deaves “knocked the door down” as he backed him to make an impact as Jac Morgan’s replacement in the squad.

The Wales captain was ruled out of the rest of the autumn with a dislocated shoulder, with the British and Irish Lions Test star released from the Wales squad on Tuesday morning. His Ospreys team-mate Deaves was called up in his place, with the uncapped back-row having been in fine form at the start of the season.

And while Sherratt acknowledged the sizable loss of Morgan, he expressed his excitement at the call-up of the in-form 24-year-old.

“It’s a big blow,” said Sherratt. “More so for Jac as well.

“He’s been unbelievable in the last 12 months, rightly rewarded with a Test match-winning British Lions series and we saw what he was like for 50-60 minutes at the weekend.

“He was top turnovers, top tackles, scored a try from seven metres out. Mainly just gutted for Jac because he was really invested with this group, but obviously an opportunity for someone who’s been playing really well at the Ospreys and deserves a go in camp in Harri Deaves.”

Asked about how Deaves had warranted a call-up, he added: “Do you know what? He’s knocked the door down really in terms of how he’s performed at the start of the season.

“Both sides of the ball, he’s always been really busy defensively into everything. And I thought, especially in South Africa, he showed some really nice touches with the ball as well.

“He’s carried well, plays on the edge really well in terms of playing in the wider channels. Offloads well. So, yeah, he was somebody we were pleased to call in.

“He’s got good feet. If you look at Jac, he’s not big in terms of weight, but he’s incredibly powerful. Harry’s got really good feet. Doesn’t know when he’s tackled and keeps his feet moving in contact. So we’re looking forward to working with him.”

There is also an element of the old-school to Deaves, a throwback that belies his years. Hugely popular at his hometown club of Pontyclun, he coaches one of the junior sides and is often seen in the clubhouse back with his mates.

At a time when Welsh rugby has little else going for it in terms of on-field results, simply having that sense of pride means that little bit more.

“Steve (Tandy) coming in, he is a proud Welshman,” said Sherratt. “He had about 25 buses from his local club at the weekend.

“It’s actually brought that out more in the group. We made a big point about making sure we stay grounded and connected to our roots.

“Harri coming in, we actually saw him on Sunday doing some training at the gym here and he was like a supporter. He couldn’t wait to see the boys play.

“Two or three days later, to be able to call him in, his reaction was priceless. That’s what it’s all about to be honest.

“Obviously results are very important. But seeing players’ reaction to playing for their country is brilliant.”

Leicester Tigers openside Tommy Reffell would have been another candidate – although the fact he would be unavailable for the out-of-window Test against the world champion Springboks was a factor.

“I think that does play a part, because obviously it’s a very short training week this week,” said Sherratt. “It’s a six-day turnaround.

“Then it’s into the All Blacks and a game (against South Africa) where English and French-based won’t be available. I think it’s more about Harri.

“His performances have pushed him into this position. Tommy is a brilliant player. I’m sure it won’t be long until he’s back in the Welsh jersey, but it’s more about Harri getting in rather than Tommy not (getting in).”

Sherratt and the rest of Wales’ coaches now face the unenviable task of having to replace what Morgan brings ahead of their crucial clash with Japan on Saturday.

Last Sunday showed just how important he is to Wales – particularly after his efforts with the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer.

“He’s unbelievable,” said Sherratt. “Just seems to be getting better and better.

“Sometimes after a Lions tour you wonder how players come back in terms of it being quite emotional. Coming back to club rugby it can sometimes take the wind out of the sails, but he’s come back probably better than he was at the end of last season.

“He’s a hell of a player. Someone we’ll miss and hopefully he gets back out on the pitch for the Ospreys and Wales as soon as possible.”

He added: “I do think one area in Wales where there’s always quality is the back row. We’re fortunate enough to bring Ollie Cracknell and, as I’ve said, Harri Deaves is knocking the door down.

“Alex Mann can play multiple positions. We’ve got Freddie Thomas, Taine Plumtree, Ollie Cracknell, Aaron Wainwright.

“He’s not replaceable, he’s a British Lion for a reason, he’s Welsh captain for a reason, but if there’s an area you can soak it up it is probably back row. There’s a lot of talent in the back row, but Jac brings an all-court game, doesn’t he?”

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