Really happy with this selection. I think it's a really balanced line-up, although as others have mentioned I'm slightly concerned with the scrum. Whilst I think Nicky Smith has mostly overcome the scrummaging issues he had after his calf injury, he needs to prove it on the international stage now. Dillon Lewis has been very good this season, but more so in the loose, his scrummaging needs work (as expected for a tighthead his age), but it'll be interesting to see how he fares with a little more bulk behind him than he's used to at the Blues.
I've been very critical of Lydiate since his 2012 heyday, but I've seen very real indications this season that he's approaching his best again. Not sure I'd have him starting if everyone was fit, but he offers something different to the other options, doing a lot of unseen graft.
Backs, especially 9 - 14 are really exciting. Halfpenny has a lot to prove, especially with Anscombe in better form from the tee. If they go well on Sat I wouldn't mind seeing the same again except with Sanjay at fullback vs Aus.
A little surprised not to see Ball in the match day 23. I think he's a better option than Beard, offering the grunt we may need going forward. Leon Brown is an interesting one as well. He hasn't established himself for the Dragons yet, and struggles in the scrum more so than Lewis. But I think tighthead is the position more than any other that Gatland isn't happy with. Lee still hasn't recaptured his form of a few years ago and Francis is little more than solid; so I can understand Gatland experimenting here during the AI's.
Overall, really excited by this selection. Too often under Gatland we've had either predictable selections with players there based on reputation, or almost entirely second/third choice side sent out vs Japan or Fiji with no time to gel. The fact that this is a nice balance of experience and form newcomers is nice to see. Feels like there's very few players left that Gatland will select regardless of form. He dumped Halfpenny in favour of Sanjay for the Lions, so could do it again. North may be one, but at least he's back in form. AWJ another? But he's earnt it anyway. Biggar is probably the most annoying, but again he's been happy to overlook him with the Lions, so shows that he's open for someone to come in and prove they can offer more. Over to you Anscombe. I think Patchell will get another chance this AI's as well if Gats is happy with his wellbeing.
Bring on hopefully an exciting and winning AI's. For the love of god we've gotta beat Aus anyway!
. If he does he'll no doubt end up scoring a last minute winning try like the previous umpteen times he's played in the winning Wallabies team v Wales.
