Four queries plague Gatland as he selects the Six Nations team
There are several unanswered questions regarding Warren Gatland. In the weeks leading up to the Six Nations, every Welsh player who qualifies will be itching to perform at his highest level during the Christmas break. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book Wales Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
In an effort to assemble a team that can compete in the Six Nations. Warren Gatland and his coaching staff will be trying out a number of individuals. Considering that a new World Cup cycle has begun. The coaches will also need to determine when to give particular individuals their chance at the Test level and devise a long-term succession plan.
Before the Wales coaching team names, the squad in mid-January, rugby expert Steffan Thomas evaluates the important questions they will be considering over Christmas. There are barely three games remaining for the Welsh-based players to make an impression before selections are made.
Who wears the number 10 jersey?
It makes sense that, with Dan Biggar’s departure from Test rugby and Gareth Anscombe’s relocation to Japan. Gatland has picked outside as a position where Wales needs to add some depth. Sam Costelow, 22, will undoubtedly have gained a lot of knowledge from Anscombe and Biggar in France, and based on the World Cup roster. It is safe to believe he will be given a chance.
For the 2022 Autumn Series, Costelow was included in the Wales roster. In 2022, against New Zealand, Costelow was named on the bench due to a last-minute team change. He made his test debut in the second half. Prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Costelow received a call-up to the 54-man Wales training squad on May 1, 2023.
Though Costelow is highly regarded by the Wales management and undoubtedly possesses all the skills needed to succeed on the international stage. He may not have much rugby left by the start of the Six Nations due to a shoulder issue. Ioan Lloyd, a recent addition for the Scarlets, is arguably the best outside-half in Welsh rugby this season.
Eyes on Ioan Lloyd
The west Welshmen have had a difficult start to the season, but Lloyd has been a bright spot. Lloyd did not make any of the match-day squads. But he was included in the Welsh rugby union test team for July 2021. Following a breakthrough season for Bristol in which he went from being a reserve player to a first-team starter. Lloyd was voted the Discovery of the Season in 2021.
Lloyd, who is well-known for his flexibility, has filled in at fly-half, center, wing, and fullback in addition to covering scrum half in times of injury. Prior to the 2022–23 Premiership Rugby season, Bristol head coach Pat Lam stated that inside center would be Lloyd’s long-term emphasis. It was revealed on April 18, 2023, that Lloyd will be replacing the Scarlets in 2023–2024.
Lloyd is a lethal attacking weapon with excellent goal-kicking skills. He is maybe the most innately talented player in Wales. However, the issue that Gatland and his teammates will undoubtedly be asking themselves is whether he can manage a game under the intense strain of the Six Nations. Or whether he can strike the ideal mix between kicking and rushing the ball.
The safe choice would be the seasoned playmaker Owen Williams of the Ospreys, but he is prone to injuries. While Callum Sheedy and Jarrod Evans have been doing well for the Bristol Bears and Harlequins, accordingly. Rugby fans can book Wales Vs France Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
At full-back, what should to do?
Gatland faces further dilemmas with the number 15 shirt because Liam Williams is playing in Japan. Leigh Halfpenny has withdrawn from international competition. Rio Dyer may play on the wing, and Gatland could switch Josh Adams or Louis Rees-Zammit to full-back.
The alternative is to blood a new player. Although Rees-Zammit has donned the number 15 jersey for Wales previously and has appeared at ease in that role. During the summer, Cai Evans was a member of Gatland’s World Cup training squad. He performed admirably in his Test debut against South Africa.
Since joining the Dragons from the Ospreys. The 24-year-old has excelled and is arguably the most similar to Halfpenny in terms of flair. Evans is a trustworthy player in defense as well as aerial play. He has a cannon of a boot and makes superb goal kicks.
His error rate is incredibly low, and although he might not have the extra edge that someone like Rees-Zammit would. He is still a top-tier distributor who seldom ever makes the incorrect decision. Cameron Winnett, a young full-back from Cardiff. He is regarded as the number 15 player in Wales; former British & and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton is a huge supporter.
The 24-year-old on the wing has so far been chosen by the New Zealander over Scarlets full-back Tom Rogers. He was also a part of Gatland’s extended World Cup squad.
At the tighthead prop, fresh blood?
It might be an issue because the three tight ends that Gatland chose for his World Cup team currently work outside of Wales. In addition to having to return to their club on fallow weekends. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby), Henry Thomas (Montpellier), and Dillon Lewis (Harlequins) will be unable to attend the training camp in preparation for the Six Nations.
The knowledgeable Because of his skill in scrummaging. Francis continues to be one of Wales’ most valuable players and Thomas and Lewis both have a wealth of experience. Naturally, Gatland might choose to include more than three tight ends in his team. It would address the issue of availability. However, given that Australia will host the 2027 World Cup.
He most likely needs to add some new players. Reports say that Gatland was highly happy with Kieran Assiratti’s summertime efforts. Although he didn’t quite cut, the 26-year-old Cardiff prop has an international career ahead of him. Not only is Assiratti a lively and highly skilled rugby player, but in the last few seasons, his scrummaging has also significantly improved.
Striking the perfect mix between youth and experience. With players like Dan Biggar, Gareth Anscombe, Leigh Halfpenny, and Liam Williams out of the picture since the World Cup, Wales has lost a lot of experience. All international coaches will be scouting young prospects throughout the next few years, as well, as the World Cup cycle has just begun.
A Remarkable Competition
However, the Six Nations is rugby extremely significant competition where victory is paramount, so Gatland will have to strike the correct balance between winning and bleeding players. Gatland may select several younger players in his Six Nations team to help them get used to the demands of international rugby. The trip to Australia next summer may be a better opportunity to give youth its chance.
This season, several players have performed admirably, including Mackenzie Martin, Eddie James, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ellis Bevan, and Cameron Winnett. Even though he is a little bit older, Morgan Morris has been an excellent player for the Ospreys over the past several seasons. It will be interesting to watch where Gatland ends up.
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