Squad
Loosehead Prop: Kemsley Mathias, Wyn Jones, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas
Hooker: Elliot Dee, Evan Lloyd, Sam Parry
Tighthead Prop: Keiron Assiratti, Willgriff John, Henry Thomas
Second Row: Daffyd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Chris Tshiunza, Teddy Williams
Back Row: Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan(C), Tommy Reffell, James Botham
Scrum-half: Ellis Bevan, Tomos Williams, Rhodri Williams
Fly-half: Ben Thomas, Dan Edwards
Centres: Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Eddie James, Joe Roberts
Back Three: Josh Adams, Josh Hathaway, Tom Rogers, Liam Williams, Blair Murray, Elliot Mee
This is a crucial Six Nations for Warren Gatland and he has certainly been bold in his selections. Perhaps the most interesting part of this squad is the players who have been left out. The likes of Gareth Anscombe, Cam Winnett and Max Llewellyn have all missed out in surprise changes to the squad. Wales are also missing Dewi Lake through injury so there are changes at hooker. Sam Costelow is also out so the fy-half battle will be between two incredibly inexperienced players in Ben Thomas and Dan Edwards who have both been impressive for their regions. In the back three, Rio Dyer is also a puzzling omission, he has been inconsistent but still has an X factor that the rest of Gatland's options lack. There are a couple of big names returning to this team; Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau return to bring experience of test match level and of actually winning at this stage. The changes to the squad seem to signal a doubling down on classic Gatland rugby in which the team essentially looks to win the areas of the game that don't require high level skills such as work rate, defensive organisation and a strong mentality. However, this squad lacks the experience or quality to reach the levels of previous Wales teams. Frankly, finishing fifth would be decent for this team. They will be a tough opponent for team when at the Principality Stadium under the closed roof and will likely be targeting the game against England in Wales on the final weekend to make a statement. Wales have shown signs of improvement but the one big question is whether or not they can compete physically with the likes of France. I don't think so but let's see.
Player to watch
Whoever is playing fly-half. Wales have some promising players at a number of positions but the one thing that could transform this side is an exciting young player at this key position. Thomas and Edwards both have a lot of potential so it will be interesting to see how they handle the stage.
My Wales Team for the opening game against France:
1.Nicky Smith 2. Elliot Dee 3.Keiron Assiratti 4. Daffyd Jenkins 5. Will Rowlands
6.Aaron Wainwright 7. Jac Morgan(C) 8.Taulupe Faletau 9. Tomos Williams 10. Ben Thomas
11.Josh Adams 12.Nick Tompkins 13.Owen Watkins 14. Josh Hathaway 15. Liam Williams
16.Evan Lloyd 17.Wyn Jones 18.Henry Thomas 19.Chris Tshiunza
20.Tommy Reffell 21.Ellis Bevan 22.Dan Edwards 23.Tom Rogers
Predicted Finish: 6th
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