No pressure, insists Peel

The Sale Sharks scrum-half has been given the nod ahead of Gareth Cooper to make his first Wales start in 14 Tests against USA on Saturday. But the 2005 British Lions star reckons the best approach is to chill out and enjoy his rugby.

Peel, 27, said: "I'm just really pleased to be starting a game. I just want to go out, enjoy it and not put too much pressure on anything. It's important I keep working hard and just try and be as professional as I can.

"It's the last week of the season and it's important to keep your eye on the ball. We were disappointed with the performance against Canada and it's up to us to step up to the plate now and be more clinical."

Peel was first-choice on the disastrous 3-0 whitewash Lions tour to New Zealand four years ago. But the former Llanelli star has slipped down the current scrum-half pecking order behind Wales team-mate Mike Phillips and England's Harry Ellis.

And even despite an injury to Ireland's Tomas O'Leary before the tour to South Africa, Lions head coach Ian McGeechan chose Scotland captain Mike Blair over Peel.

Peel said: "I suppose I thought the same as everyone and you sort of have a glimmer of hope. Obviously I tore my hamstring during the middle of the Six Nations, which didn't really help me. It's just one of those things, but what I've learned is just to get on with things really. Other things are out of your control and the only thing you can control is when you get the opportunity."

Peel, who will win his 69th cap in Chicago, ended a nine year association with Llanelli to swap life in south Wales for Manchester. But he admits the lifestyle change has boosted his career.

He said: "It's been very different for me. Obviously being a proud Scarlet for most of my life really, it was a big move for me to go away.

"But on the whole, I've really enjoyed the experience. It's been enjoyable to get away from home and trying different things. You never stop learning. You are never always on top of your game so it's important to keep working hard and trying different things."