Wales’ roster lacks some of the game’s top players due to injury and a last-minute bombshell that is making things difficult. We were all prepared for a few surprises from Warren Gatland’s Wales Six Nations team announcement as the clock approached noon on Tuesday. 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.
Few could have anticipated the sheer number or the degree of shock they would cause. But the afternoon more than lived up to expectations in that regard. Five uncapped players, a 21-year-old captain, and other World Cup squad members are currently missing. Oh, and one of the most gifted players in Welsh rugby is heading to play American football. Undoubtedly a lot to explore.
But when another exciting day of Welsh rugby ended, the focus shifted to the players who had cut. Due to a series of injuries, bans, and eligibility problems, just 14 of the players who played in the Six Nations squad last year have returned this year. As a result, Gatland’s team appears to be lacking in star power.
With less than 20 caps under their belts, nearly two-thirds of the 34-man roster are inexperienced. Some supporters are worried about this relative lack of experience and are prepared for a difficult February and March. On the other hand, some are more upbeat, stating that the team has almost found the right mix between being competitive and able to develop players.
We examine Gatland’s current possibilities and the best team we believe he can assemble from the group he selected.
15. Josh Adams
Gatland’s full-back position was always going to be problematic going into the Six Nations because of the absence of Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams, and a long-term solution hasn’t shown up yet. Although Cam Winnett has undoubtedly been the most impressive full-back in Welsh rugby thus far this season and is deserving of his spot in the squad.
Cai Evans has also been playing well despite being left off of the World Cup squad last summer. It remains to be seen if either player is ready to face Scotland from the starting lineup. Therefore, it was anticipated that Gatland would choose experience over youth and assign Josh Adams or Louis Rees-Zammit to the number 15 shirt.
With the former shockingly abandoning rugby at the last minute to seek a future in the NFL, the Cardiff winger, who made his comeback from injury last month, seems to be the obvious choice. He has played full-back 19 times in his career, for both club and country.
6. James Botham
Having not been spotted in a Wales shirt since the summer of 2021, Botham has returned to the team and may even start again right away. had a difficult season due to injuries, only playing in his first game on Boxing Day following a hamstring strain, but in the previous two years, he has been fantastic for Cardiff.
Especially at the breakdown, Botham can cover the entire back row and is incredibly physically fit. He also works very hard. It is now time for him to resume his career after spending some time away from the Test arena.
12. Nick Tompkins
With Gatland getting the most out of him, Tompkins was possibly Wales’ strongest player at the World Cup. Tipped to excel once more at this year’s Six Nations, he is a dependable player and an essential member of the team. Rugby fans can book Wales Vs France Tickets Six Nations on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
11. Mason Grady
Grady needs to be involved, but it will be intriguing to see what Gatland has in mind for him. It remains to be seen if that is on the wing or in the center. The Cardiff star, 21, was a center for both the Six Nations and the World Cup teams the previous season, but this season he has been pulling up trees on the wing. Now that Rees-Zammit is out, there appears to be a genuine chance to unleash the potent runner wide. Might be harmful.
10. Sam Costelow
Along with full-back, this is the position that Gatland recognized required the greatest care after the World Cup, with Dan Biggar hanging up his feet and Gareth Anscombe traveling to Japan before becoming hurt. In the weeks that have passed, several possible suitors have put up their hands; Ioan Lloyd, Owen Williams, and Callum Sheedy have all staked claims.
Costelow is still the preferred No. 10 though, having played for Wales at the World Cup and overcoming an ankle setback. Wales management is quite confident that Costelow will grow into a unique player.
As one of the most naturally talented players in the nation, Ioan Lloyd, his Scarlets teammate, has performed admirably in his absence and is well deserving of his spot in the lineup. It has to be seen if they, or the third possibility Cai Evans, are capable of managing a game at the international level.
8. Aaron Wainwright
Given that Faletau isn’t in the squad and that he is expected to play a significant role in the coming weeks after demonstrating his worth at the World Cup. He is the clear choice at No. 8. After being exposed by Wayne Pivac. He has regained his confidence and his appetite may be higher than it has ever been.
Unfortunately, Ospreys’ Morgan Morris is not playing after making an impression at the regional level for the past few years. But Cardiff’s dynamic back-rower Mackenzie Martin will be someone to watch off the bench having received his first call-up.
13. George North
had a fantastic World Cup playing in midfield with Nick Tompkins. The two will likely start together versus Scotland in February. Of course, Joe Roberts is an additional choice. He pleased the Wales management during their match against England last summer. His physicality and left-footed kicking abilities make him a very valuable addition.
9. Tomos Williams
Possibly the most stable spot on the field, with Williams and Gareth Davies standing in the lead. In a struggling Scarlets team, Davies has looked good. He was outstanding during Wales’ World Cup campaign, and in subsequent seasons, his game management has improved dramatically.
Williams, though, wins the jersey following a brilliant run of play for Cardiff. Given that Davies is nearing the conclusion of his playing career. He has a great opportunity to make the jersey his next month because he is playing with such confidence.
3. Keiron Assiratti
Despite only having two Wales caps to his name, Assiratti has been thrust into the starting XV in the absence of Francis and Lewis. Gatland rates the 26-year-old, who recovered well from the setback of not making the World Cup roster. However, this campaign will be a major test for the player. Although Leon Brown is another excellent choice for your team, his ability to stay healthy is a constant source of concern.
7. Tommy Reffell
The obvious favorite to start at openside after Jac Morgan was ruled out due to injury. He has been playing some incredible rugby for Leicester. After having his chances at the World Cup curtailed by niggling injuries. He’ll be hoping to impress Gatland once more. But he’s going to have a tremendous tournament if he can repeat the performance he had against Georgia.
5. Will Rowlands
Workhorse Rowlands returns to the starting lineup for the Six Nations after an incredible World Cup. Adds valuable experience to a young team and is a player Wales cannot afford to lose.
4. Dafydd Jenkins
You could have put your money on Adam Beard and Will Rowlands to pair in the second row versus Scotland at the beginning of this month. But a series of unrelated circumstances might have changed all that. The captain’s armband for the Six Nations has been given to Jenkins. 21 since both Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake are out of the competition due to injuries.
The Exeter Chiefs player, who is still quite young. He has set a great example for his team this season by going above and beyond for them both at Sandy Park and away from home. He has been the Welsh captain and has been in the starting lineup. With Beard coming off the bench despite being one of the first names on Gatland’s squad sheet in recent years.
14. Rio Dyer
One of Gatland’s favorites, Dyer has had a fantastic year for his club and his country. Although he left the World Cup without scoring a goal. He did not appear uncomfortable and has grown as a result of the experience. His confidence is high after four tries in seven Dragons games. Clubs in England and France are showing interest in signing him.
Saracens are especially eager to do so. Nonetheless, it is hoped that he will reach an agreement for a new contract at Rodney Parade to maintain his Wales career. If he performs well in the Six Nations, he may win the jersey.
1. Gareth Thomas
Due to the absence of World Cup players Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, and Henry Thomas. The front row of Gatland’s lineup drew the most criticism when it was revealed. Just four of the nine front-row forwards who cut have more than six caps.
The World Cup performer who is underappreciated, Gareth Thomas, is still the obvious first pick at loosehead. Even though Corey Domachowski of Cardiff is generating a lot of buzz. He hasn’t yet produced a standout performance for Wales and is still a good backup.
2. Ryan Elias
Another who, despite the Scarlets’ dismal run, has been playing well lately. Although he isn’t a very well-liked option at hooker, he thrives in the scrum and is a serious threat when carrying the ball.
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