The rugby stories making headlines on Saturday, October 24.

These are your headlines on the morning of Saturday, October 24.

Wales star reminds Steve Tandy what he's missing

Freddie Thomas delivered a timely reminder to Wales head coach Steve Tandy of what he is missing as the forward produced an outstanding display to inspire Gloucester to a 23-5 victory over Bath in the West Country derby at Kingsholm.

The 24-year-old was influential in Gloucester's victory hitting a tremendous angle to score a decisive try for the Cherry & Whites while he also 18 tackles and 18 carries in an all-action display.

Thomas, who has been played blindside flanker for the most part this season instead of at lock, was left out of Tandy's latest Wales squad.

But if he continues in this form it won't be long until he's back involved given his importance to a Gloucester side who are currently top of the Gallagher Prem.

Jac Morgan was also very good, finishing the game as the joint top tackler with 18, while he also made 11 carries and two line breaks.

Wales centre Max Llewellyn also crossed for a try two minutes from time to ensure victory for Gloucester in-front of a sold-out Kingsholm.

Tighthead prop Archie Griffin and centre/wing Louie Hennessey were also in action for Bath.

Cardiff boss praises Wales U20s star but is left to rue tough turnaround

Corniel van Zyl was quick to praise Wales U20s captain Steffan Emanuel after Cardiff’s 36-21 defeat to the Sharks, but the head coach pointed to a punishing five-day turnaround from their Northampton Saints clash as a key factor in the home loss.

Cardiff lost to Northampton Saints at the DPD Franklin's Gardens in the Investec Champions Cup last Sunday and despite making wholesale changes for last night's clash with the Sharks the turnaround proved too much for his side.

"I do feel the turnaround especially with the backs cost us a little bit and fatigued the boys," said van Zyl.

"So I do feel like we ran out of steam.

"Yes, we had fresh forwards but it just became too much.

"It's one of those you can't sit on it for too long and ultimately I will look forward to next week and make plans to go out and show a good performance.

"There were a few bangs and knocks so it will be handy to get two days in before we start again on Monday.

"It's going to be interesting to see how it unfolds."

Tries from Ethan Hooker, Matt Romao (twice), Jason Jenkins, Thomas du Toit and Ethan Bester along with six points from the boots of Gianni Lombard and Siya Masuku fired the Sharks to a bonus-point victory in the Welsh capital.

James Botham (twice) and Josh Adams scored Cardiff's tries, while Jarrod Evans kicked six points.

Despite the defeat van Zyl was particularly impressed with the performances of Wales backrower Botham and young centre Emanuel.

"Jim (Botham) is a tough character," he said.

"He works hard, he's athletic and he's robust. So fair play to him he did stand up to the occasion.

"I thought Steff was good defensively. He had a few nice big hits and then after the performance of last week he definitely backed it up.

"He played two 80 minutes in five days. I think credit needs to go to him in how he handled the situation and also applied himself in the game."

It's only a matter of time until Page plays for Wales says Scarlets boss

Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies believes it is only a matter of time before Macs Page plays for Wales despite getting left out of Steve Tandy's latest squad.

The 21-year-old wing has been outstanding for the Scarlets this season scoring a number of scintillating tries but it wasn't quite enough to force his way into the Wales squad.

But Davies still believes he is firmly heading towards a first Wales cap.

"It's great that we've got seven boys in there and a lot of people are saying we should have eight with Macs," said Davies.

"What he needs to do is just maintain his form really.

"I think from a Welsh perspective Steve Tandy has probably got a situation he hasn't had before where he's got some really tough calls in most positions now.

"We are creating a lot of depth which we haven't had so he's got some tough calls to make.

"I have no doubt Macs would have been one of those tough calls.

"What Macs has got to do is keep on going.

"I think he's just getting better.

"He knows his game now, he knows the areas of his game he needs to work on but when you look at his game it is fairly complete.

"His attacking game is excellent but people don't give him enough credit for his defensive work as well.

"He's strong in the tackle and he's very effective at the breakdown."

The Scarlets face a strong Stormers side in Cape Town today without a host of front line Wales internationals.

But Davies is excited to see Welsh-qualified former England U20s star Ioan Jones in action who has been named to start on the wing.

"Since I've come to the club I look at Ioan training and the games he's played for us," said Davies.

"He's a fabulous player and I think he's under rated.

"He goes under the radar a little bit even in our environment but he's technically very good, a bright rugby player with a high skill level and he's got a huge right boot on him as well which we haven't seen enough of yet.

"But I think he's an excellent player."