Warren Gatland must have examined the Welsh derby win against Cardiff very well. As it helped the Scarlets make a Six Nations comeback. 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.
Although it was a significant five points for Dwayne Peel’s team. Even though he resides on the opposite side of the globe. Warren Gatland will also have been closely monitoring events in the Welsh capital. The Welsh management will be keenly watching the performances of all four regions.
With particular emphasis paid to all derbies. As Wales’ Six Nations opener versus Scotland at the Principality Stadium is just eight weeks away. Steffan Thomas, a rugby writer, examines closely those participants who would have made an impression on Gatland yesterday.
Scarlets half-backs
The primary difference between the two teams at Arms Park. Aside from Ellis Jenkins’ dismissal for a dangerous tackle on Dan Davis, was the play of the Scarlets’ half-backs. Ioan Lloyd and Gareth Davies both performed brilliantly and kept everything under control. Recently, Gatland has focused his narrative on developing the next generation of Wales internationals.
Iit seems doubtful that the 33-year-old Davies will be there for Australia’s Rugby World Cup in 2027. However, growth cannot be the focus of the Six Nations. Davies currently stands head and shoulders above any other scrum-half in Wales. One could even argue that Davies is at the peak of his career.
Although his game administration is currently his point of difference. He is still a formidable sprinting menace. Over the upcoming seasons, the Newcastle Emlyn man will be crucial in developing young number nines. Like as his Scarlets teammate Archie Hughes. Lloyd is a fascinating individual. Upon first glance, Lloyd doesn’t seem like the kind of outside half that Gatland has usually chosen.
The 22-year-old is a risk-taker who enjoys attacking from any position. As demonstrated by his impressive 70-meter break from his own 22 on Saturday. However, he also possesses a great deal of control, and within the past several months.
His game leadership has advanced significantly. Lloyd did himself and Wales’s chances of a call-up no harm by winning player of the match at the Arms Park. Eliminating Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe from the picture.
Eddie James
People are already disparaging this choice, so please bear with me. James is not unlike the kind of player Gatland has always preferred. Despite having only played a small number of professional games. Like most international trainers, the New Zealander wants carriers all over his team. The 6′ 4in, 16 stone playmakers have the physical build to be an international player in the future.
James overcame the gain line at the Arms Park with quiet effectiveness. His offloading technique is another powerful weapon in his armoury. Although he’s still a work in progress and probably not yet ready for the international game. Gatland might include a player or two who he believes has the potential to improve over the next four years.
Jamie Roberts was one of Wales’ most important players for many years; as an inside centre, he helped his team cross the advantage line. Is James able to play that kind of role for Wales going forward? Though more time will tell, he undoubtedly possesses the physical characteristics, and with Joe Roberts out due to injury right now, he should have lots of opportunities to play at the regional level and establish his value.
Johnny McNicholl
Wales will need to take a different approach at full-back during the Six Nations since the seasoned duo of Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams are no longer an option. Josh Adams or Louis Rees-Zammit switching from wing to full-back is the favourite to start in the Six Nations.
But Cai Evans is also a strong candidate to don the number 15 jersey following a string of standout performances for the Dragons. However, don’t overlook Johnny McNicholl, a speedster for the Scarlets, who might be able to provide Wales a solution soon. Rugby fans can book Wales vs Italy Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
The 33-year-old hasn’t participated in a Test match in a few seasons, and Gatland might not enjoy his high-risk style of rugby. However, the Scarlets player is the best engaging full-back in Welsh rugby. His playmaking and predatory finishing have saved the west Midlanders in numerous situations.
Most notably yesterday at Arms Park when he picked some great lines and crossed for a game-winning try in the closing moments. However, Wales has always favoured a full-back who serves the percentages as a safer alternative. Although McNicholl doesn’t meet those criteria, he still has an opportunity to make the squad because of Wales’ dearth of full-back options.
Cameron Winnett
Gatland is searching for some depth at full-back, as was previously mentioned. Winnett is a formidable aerial threat with excellent positional awareness. He is also a highly skilled soccer player. He is a skilful field runner who is dangerous and has good attacking decision-making.
Winnett should undoubtedly be taken into consideration for the full-back position if Gatland’s Six Nations team has room for a bolter. He is definitely someone to keep an eye on, even though it is unclear if he possesses the additional bit necessary to grow into a top-tier international player.
Winnett was excellent against the Scarlets even if he was on the losing end of the score. In addition to keeping Cardiff in the game by racing back to defend Lloyd after the Scarlets player had made a brilliant break, he also scored an early try.
Keiron Assiratti
Despite making an impression on Gatland in the summer, the 26-year-old was ultimately left out of Wales’ final World Cup roster. The fact that all three of Wales’ World Cup prop players Tomas Francis of Provence Rugby, Dillon Lewis of the Harlequins, and Henry Thomas of Montpellier are working abroad.
They would significantly reduce the level of access Gatland has to these players. It would be reasonable for Gatland to overcome some obstinate Welsh people, and it stands to reason that Assiratti would be at the front of the line. He did not play very well over the Scarlets, but he did contribute significantly to the Cardiff scrum getting the upper hand.
Given that Wyn Jones was penalized three times in the first few minutes of the game, Assiratti must have been playing something right when facing the seasoned player. Assiratti is a gifted ball player who can carry, and he has good regional scrummaging ability. Gatland will have been rather happy with Assiratti’s effort at the Arms Park, but he still needs to find consistency.
Mason Grady
Given that Cardiff played with 14 men for more than half the match. It makes sense that it wasn’t his most notable performance. However, he looked impressive when he had the ball. Grady appears to be playing on the wing for Cardiff. But it will be interesting to watch what Gatland does in the Six Nations considering all of his Wales caps have come at number 13.
Although he played a strong defensive game yesterday and made threats most of the time he got the ball, Gatland has probably been very pleased with his efforts this season. Although Grady is a lock to make the Six Nations team, it will be intriguing to watch how he is used in the future.
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