WALES v ARGENTINA (Saturday, KO 2.30)

WALES coach Rob Howley has fired a warning shot to those tempted by the big cheques being offered by French clubs by axing Mike Phillips.

The scrum-half has been overlooked for Saturday’s Test against Argentina with Scarlets number nine Tavis Knoyle being given the nod instead.

Phillips came off the bench for Bayonne in their Top 14 win against Bordeaux last weekend while his Wales-based international teammates were being put through the wringer at a training camp in Poland. It is that build-up that means the man who is favourite to wear the number 9 jersey for the British and Irish Lions next summer will be on the bench for Saturday’s Test against the Pumas.

“Our preparation for international rugby has affected many selections over recent years,” said interim boss Howley.

“Tavis got through a lot of work last week, not just with the backline but also with the forwards, and there is also the issue of being in and around the team.

“The dynamics of the team are important when you spend time together because they contribute to the marginal gains.

“When you go to England or France to play your rugby you take yourself out of that environment.

“It’s a difficult one because some of those players who have gone are experienced and so we might lose that.

“But I suppose as coaches we have to take the hit because we want to be hugely supportive of our regional game and we want our supporters to watch the best Welsh players in the Welsh game.”

Also counting against Phillips is his absence for the final autumn international against Australia, which is being held outside of the IRB Test window.

Lock Luke Charteris, who left the Dragons for Perpignan last summer, has negotiated his release and Toulon prop Gethin Jenkins is attempting to do likewise.

Howley insists the coaching staff still monitor the performances of their overseas stars closely but the absence of Saracens loosehead prop Rhys Gill and Biarritz wing Aled Brew from the squad is another indication of the stance that they are taking. With the likes of Dragons star Dan Lydiate and Cardiff Blues pair Jamie Roberts and Alex Cuthbert the targets of big-spending Top 14 clubs in France, the player drain looks set to continue.

When asked if they were saying playing outside Wales could affect Test careers, Howley said: “Absolutely. Players have to make judgements on the financial aspect of playing for clubs in England or France and wearing the national jersey.”