Six Nations: Gareth Baber pleads Wales patience over Alex Cuthbert

Wing Cuthbert powered over in the corner to score his second try

Cardiff Blues coach Gareth Baber hailed Wales wing contender Alex Cuthbert as "sensational" following his two tries against Racing Metro.

But Baber also warned Wales to accept the once-capped 21-year-old will make mistakes if he plays in the Six Nations opener in Dublin on 5 February.

"If he's in their plans to play against Ireland, you've got to accept there will be errors in his game," he said.

"But he's sensational with ball in hand and he's a breath of fresh air here."

The Blues booked a European quarter-final with holders Leinster - another Dublin date Cuthbert can target in April.

But with Wales seeking a replacement for retired hero Shane Williams, Cuthbert will compete with fellow Blues players Leigh Halfpenny and Harry Robinson, as well as Scarlets pair George North and Liam Williams for a wing berth in the Six Nations.

Halfpenny could also rival Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne) for the full-back role following the announcement of the the shock inclusion.

Cuthbert capped his rapid rise to prominence by replacing rising star North late on in Wales' 18-24 defeat by Australia in December.

Baber added: "His [Cuthbert's] contribution was vital [against Racing Metro], as was Leigh's and in the short period of time that Alex has been playing at this level he's learned at every juncture.

"He's learned everything he can, a lot of the time from errors as well, and it always seems to me that's the best way to learn."