Five takeaways from ruthless Gatland’s team for Wales vs France
For this weekend’s Six Nations match Wales vs France at the Principality Stadium, Warren Gatland has made a few unexpected selections. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book France Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
Wales has not won any games in the competition thus far, coming agonizingly close against Scotland (26-27) and England (16-14) before Ireland thrashed them 31-7. In an attempt to secure a first-ever victory over a lacklustre French team, Gatland has altered his starting backline twice, in addition to making two changes to his forward pack and switching positions.
Gatland displays his savagery once more
Just ask Brian O’Driscoll the seasoned New Zealander isn’t afraid to make audacious selection decisions, and he has once again demonstrated his ruthlessness. Gatland selected a rather youthful team for the 2017 Six Nations, but he has trusted individuals with experience in some of the most important positions, particularly the centres. In the last two matches, Nick Tompkins was partnered with George North after he started the first three.
He has chosen to alter his strategy for the fourth game, though, and has removed North and Tompkins from the starting lineup as well as the matchday 23 altogether. This effectively reduces the number of caps in the starting team by an astounding 117 Tests. It is always a risky move to bench both of your starting centres for a major Test match.
But in this case, it is riskier because Joe Roberts is only awarded his second cap ahead of North. He was awarded his 120th the previous time out. This indicates unequivocally that there is a change in leadership within the Wales Test setup. It is undoubtedly a hazardous move to bench two important defensive decision-makers. Though, given how at ease France has been playing for such periods.
Wales Vs France
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Opportunities that are merited
Similarly, when they unite in the centres for the first time. Owen Watkin and Joe Roberts are sure to deserve their chance and are supported to succeed. For the Ospreys and the Scarlets this season, the duo has been playing well. They have been putting pressure on the head coach to give them an opportunity.
There is no doubt that the 23-year-old Roberts is a gifted player with a promising future for Wales in the centres. It would be extremely beneficial for him to play well against France and potentially their elite veteran Gael Fickou. While Roberts and Watkin fit the description of players who deserve an opportunity. Ryan Elias’ promotion from the bench to the starting XV appears more like a second chance.
Gatland stated, “There are a few changes to the team this week as there are some players that deserve an opportunity.” Elias was benched for the next two games against Scotland after starting the initial game because of Wales’ poor lineout performance in that match, which saw them win just 55% of their throws.
But Gatland has upped the ante and included three locks in his starting lineup. Along with Aaron Wainwright as an extra lineout jumper. Elias has been handed another opportunity to show off and has the resources he needs to succeed. There is no denying his skill in the park, which may affect Gatland’s perspective as well. In the past, he was a dependable thrower.
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As Garland and his coaching staff were putting together their strategy to overcome Les Bleus. They were likely paying careful attention to Italy’s 13–13 draw with France in the Championship’s third round.
“France will provide a hard, physical challenge on Sunday, especially up front. We understand that they will put up a strong fight at first. So our main strategies should be to stay in the game, play disciplined defence, and maintain our line speed. An 80-minute show is what we’re aiming for,” Gatland said.
In 2024, he added strength to his pack by putting Will Rowlands in the starting lineup for the first time. His choices followed his remarks. They can tighten up their lineout and add another formidable tackler to the back five by adding him to the second row. It causes Dafydd Jenkins to move to the blindside flank position (more on that later).
Rowlands is the type of player needed to perform the hard, dirty job in the shadows when facing France, much like Jenkins and Beard. Rowlands also frequently accumulates a respectable tackling total. It is only a plus that he has recently participated in the Top 14. However, it also extends to the bench, where rookies Mackenzie Martin and Alex Mann fill in for the back-five positions and try to provide energy.
And new legs as the games go on. Wales will need to get off to a strong start in the game. But they also need to hang in there. With the starting lineup Gatland chose and its supporting cast, they have a decent chance to succeed early on.
Worth of Dafydd Jenkins
The new Wales captain will start his first Test on the side of the scrum this weekend after spending most of his senior playing career in the second row and occasionally moving into the back row during games. Nowadays, there aren’t many blindside flankers on the international scene in the style of Pieter-Steph du Toit, Courtney Lawes, or Jerome Kaino.
As a result, more athletic locks tend to fill the void, and Wales is doing just that with Jenkins. The 21-year-old has the physicality and toughness to succeed in the position. He can significantly lessen the strength and size of the French pack if he can be moved to the side of the scrum.
For Wales to succeed, they will also need to disrupt France’s lineout. Gatland’s charges are well-equipped to do so with defensive jumper alternatives like Beard, Wainwright, Rowlands, and Jenkins.
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Trust in Cameron Winnett
With the likes of Leigh Halfpenny, Gareth Anscombe, Liam Williams, and Louis Rees-Zammit absent from the Six Nations. Many Wales supporters will have been concerned about the fullback position going into the competition. But after three outstanding performances from Cameron Winnett. He has performed shifts much above what his three Test caps suggest, such worries have been put to rest with ease.
Winnett was one of the better players even in the crushing loss to Ireland. He’s been backed again for what might be his hardest Test to date. Despite not being in the same form as they were before the World Cup. France’s long-kicking style makes them a formidable opponent for any full-back. In the Six Nations, teams have so far managed to counter it. But Winnett will have to be on his game this weekend.
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