Harris tipped for Pumas test

Iestyn Harris (c) played fast and flat against Llanelli

Wales team manager Alan Phillips has dropped the strongest hint yet that former rugby league star Iestyn Harris will be fast-tracked into the Wales team.

Harris made his debut in the 15-man game on Saturday evening, coming on as a second-half substitute for Cardiff in their narrow defeat at Llanelli.

There is no denying that Harris, who left Leeds Rhinos in a big money transfer during the summer, showed flashes of brilliance during his cameo at Stradey Park.

We're looking long-term at inside-centre for Stephen Jones, with Iestyn Harris at No 10

Wales team manager Alan Phillips

"It's great to watch him play," Phillips enthused. "Considering he's been out for a bit with injury, he went out and played with confidence and flair.

"He fetched something to the party in Llanelli and I'm just looking forward to seeing if he can repeat that performance."

Cardiff entertain Glasgow in the Heineken Cup on Saturday and Harris has the opportunity to book a starting place in Wales' opening Autumn international against Argentina on 10 November.

Harris himself has said that he would prefer to play at fly-half and it seems that the Wales management will be more than happy to accomodate the former Great Britain stand-off.

"With Neil (Jenkins) being out long-term, Stephen Jones stepped in at fly-half for the game against Ireland last week," Phillips added.

Phillips was impressed by Harris' union debut

"But we're looking long-term at inside-centre for Stephen, with Iestyn at No 10.

"I think we'll just have a look at how Iestyn plays at the weekend and if he has a blinder we're going to have to think about him seriously (for the Argentina Test)."

Phillips denied that it is too soon for Harris to be capped, believing that the sooner he is involved in the Wales set-up the better.

"There's only one way he's going to learn and that's by playing games, he's not going to learn anything on the touchline."

British Telecom has agreed to sponsor Wales' three-Test programme next month.

The deal covers the Millennium Stadium clashes against Argentina, Tonga and world champions Australia.