Phillips was told before the World Cup began that he would be considered as back-up to Dwayne Peel and he is growing frustrated at sitting on the bench.

Last night's start was Phillips' first since Peel missed the summer tour of Australia and he was determined to issue a stern reminder of what he can offer to coach Gareth Jenkins.

Phillips started slowly but grew into the game and a purple patch shortly after half-time saw him score one try and brilliantly create another for Shane Williams.

Phillips was disappointed to be replaced by Gareth Cooper after just 57 minutes but hopes to have done enough to stake a claim for the scrum-half jersey in next weekend's key Pool B clash with Fiji.

"It is frustrating being on the bench. I have spent a lot of time there lately," said Phillips.

"It is not very nice for someone to tell you that you are the number two. I worked really hard during the summer and I just told myself that if I get a chance I have got to prove to people I am good enough.

"I had expected to come off last night but I looked at the clock and it was a bit early. It was 10 minutes too soon but I think I made the most of it.

"There has got to be a chance I could play next week. Whatever decision he makes I have to go with and back him all the way.

"But it would be great to start, to have two on the bounce in the World Cup. I'd be delighted, thrilled and honoured.

"You play the game to play in the big games and test yourself against the best. That is the challenge we all face."

Phillips, a tall and powerful scrum-half, has often been compared favourably with Welsh legend Terry Holmes and there are few number nines in world rugby to compare with his physique.

This summer Phillips agreed a bumper pay deal to move from Cardiff Blues to the Ospreys, he is just unfortunate to be competing with Peel for the same Wales jersey.