Welsh squad under Gatland

[Lé Ddanno]

Ohhhhh, so it turns out Jarrod Evans is eligible for Wales due to not having a credible offer before moving to Quins. Him and Lloyd as our 10s in the 6N would be good. Surely we should be doing the same with Hawkins at Exeter as I doubt Ospreys were offering anything credible either

If he wouldn't mind jogging off to the Blues or something so that we can try to nick C Atkinson that'd be grand

 

[Welsh Exile]

If he wouldn't mind jogging off to the Blues or something so that we can try to nick C Atkinson that'd be grand

Is he not doing well? I see he's on the bench a lot, as expected, but thought he was doing pretty well. I've not been watching much tbh.

 

[Welsh Exile]

What the **** are we going to do at tight head I wonder? Lewis, Francis and Henry Thomas all abroad Leon Brown is perma injured which leaves who? Assaratti? I'd probably just chuck him in to be honest. Tbh, I can't see us finishing higher than 4th in the 6N for the next 2-3 years so with that in mind we might as well get the painful rebuild underway now and start blooding the kids, screw this balance between youth and experience as we could play all our experienced players and still get pumped so might as well go young. I'd go for something like:

Thomas
Lake
Assaratti
Jenkins
Tshiunza
Rhys Davies
Morgan
Wainwright

Tomos Williams
Lloyd
Adams
Tompkins
North
LRZ
Winnett

Elias, Smith, Lewis, Beard, Reffell, Davies, Evans, Grady

 

[TRF_Olyy]

#JoeJonesForWales

 

[Welsh Exile]

Yeah he'll do. Name checks out.

 

[Welsh Exile]

Assuming Costelow is out I will be very interested to see how Gatland sees the pecking order for the 10s. Shane Williams wants Owen Williams starting at 10 for the 6N which I just don't get. I mean, I get the rationale that you want experience but what's the point, honestly. He's not even that good, I would get it if he was say Biggars level but he's not.

I don't think I would have him in the squad even if Costelow is out tbh but won't be annoyed if he's 3rd choice behind Lloyd and Evans. If Costelow does make it then having him Lloyd and Evans would be good. All 3 are similar in style of play which would make it easier coming in for the other if one gets injured.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Gatland will have Owen Williams as starting 10 with Costelow out and if Costelow makes it back he'll be number 2 even though he's a totally different player to Costelow and Lloyd will be some utility back option who will hardly play even though he's probably the best 10 we've got or at least the one with the highest ceiling for sure.

It's all moot anyway coz as long as our front 5 get beaten up it doesn't really matter who we play at 10.

 

[Welsh Exile]

Oh and Morgan needs surgery on his knee which sucks but at least 7 is the one position we're well stocked in and will be a good opportunity for Reffell.

 

[dullonien]

I'm with you on most counts Exile. We should pick some youth and stick with them.

Asseratti has a high ceiling at tighthead. Strong scrummager with a decent all round game. He's also still young for a prop, so should be available for at least a couple of world cup cycles.

Lake is a must at hooker too. He's not the finished article, but has the highest ceiling of all options. Elias had almost a fabulous WC, playing exceptionally well in the group stages, but his throwing cost us dearly in the QF. I still like the look of Bradley Roberts too, he's been immense for Dragons this season - so energetic + his throwing is usually accurate.

We suddenly have a number of interesting options at lock with the likes of Daf Jenkins and Teddy Williams playing very well this season. I'm excited about James Fender too, lots of potential there. Are Tshiunza and Rhys Davies locks or 6's? Beard will start, I will moan about it!

Shame that Morgan needs surgery, but plenty of options with more emerging all the time. E.g. Harry Deaves has looked great for the Ospreys in Tipuric's absense. Some other young backrowers playing well, with Alex Mann a standout for Cardiff with his workrate. Reminds me of a young Lydiate, and could be a great option to provide balance to a backrow. It's a bit soon for Mackenzie Martin, but options at 8 are thin, so Gats may include him in the squad.

10 is certainly interesting. For me it has to be Lloyd, Jarrod Evans and Sheedy in the squad. Costellow comes back into the recogning when fit. Owen Williams should be nowhere neer the squad based on form, and neither should Will Reed. I'm excited that Evans is still available, great player imo, but he made a shocker of a decision to join Quins. He was always going to play second fiddle to their poster child, and I think a lack of gametime will cost him. Lloyd has looked class this season, despite the shocking form of those around him - I really hope Gats gives him a genuine chance next year because he's got a ridiculously high ceiling.

Some options for Gats to mull over in the centres. Do the likes of Kieran Williams, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Joe Roberts, Ben Thomas, Aneurin Owen or Eddie James come into his thoughts? Johnny Williams has been very poor so far this season, so his place could be in jeopardy. Grady is a cert, but could be used on the wing for now.

I'm really excited about Cameron Winnet, he's shaping up to be an absolute gem of a fullback imo. Really reminds me of a Keenan or Ramos, i.e. great all rounder who makes very few mistakes. He's got some work ons, mainly in defense, but he looks capable of stepping up imo. Keenan is a great example of how a player can quickly step up if they're good enough. It wasn't long before he burst onto the scene that it was Larmour being touted at the next Leinster/Irish fullback, then out of nowhere Keenan overtakes him and he's never looked back. So give Winnet a go imo.

That would leave LRZ, Adams, Dyer and Grady battling it out for a spot on the wing. LRZ is a must imo, and Grady is destined for the final spot on the bench. So Adams or Dyer? For me Dyer is getting better and better. Adams has been below par for a while, and whilst he looked better v Bath, he went off injured again! Also, does Gats bring someone like Feyi-Waboso into the squad for experience (if fit)?.

 

[dullonien]

Carre put down a marker yesterday! We're lacking ball carriers, and he reallt offers a punch ball in hand. I know there's a lot of talk about his conditioning/desire, but sometimes a prop needs to carry a few extra kg's to be at their best and I think that might be the case with Carre. If you want a prop who has a high workrate, then pick Gareth Thomas, but he doesn't offer those big game changing moments Carre is capable of.

Teddy Williams, James Fender and Cam Winnet should be nailed on for squad places now, seriously impressed with all 3. Ben Thomas is stringing some quality performances together too.

 

[Welsh Exile]

Shame Lloyd stank out the place a bit last night but I'm not too worried it's to be expected. Scarlets are absolute dog ****.

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Somebody has been found riding an E-scooter on the M5! I wonder if it was Andy Powell.

 

[Welsh Exile]

Anyone know when the 6N squads are being announced?

 

[dullonien]

Not sure when the squad gets picked, few weeks yet I assume.

Just seen the WoL predicted squad

The Six Nations squad Warren Gatland should now pick after everything we've seen

Warren Gatland will name his Six Nations squad over the coming weeks

www.walesonline.co.uk

If Cai Evans, Owen Williams, Josh Macleod and Leon Brown make the squad then there's something very wrong. Johnny Williams and Kieran Hardy have been very poor this season too, but options are more limited there.

Sheedy and Jim Botham are musts for the squad imo. I also think Carre should be given another shot because we simply need more ball carriers like him. Should Liam Belcher be given an opportunity? Never been a fan of his, but there's no denying his form this season. Alex Mann is another who's shown up well for Cardiff. Kieran Williams doesn't seem to be getting much gametime for the Ospreys at the minute, is he injured, or does Booth prefer the very limited Owen Watkin? Not heard much of Max Llewellyn since his move to the Premiership, but might still be worth a shot.

I was a big fan of Basham, but he's really shot himself in the foot this season, so he'll likely miss out. As has Jarrod Evans with his move to Quins, where he's barely playing now that Smith is back. I thought Bradley Roberts had a really good start to the season, but he seemed to be one of the players who carried the can for the Cardiff loss.

 

[Welsh Exile]

I think Kieran Williams has been injured but he could've started every game and won man of the match in every game and he still wouldn't get picked or he'd be an unused squad player at best.

Agree on pretty much everything you say there. Going on the WOL list I'd swap out Cai Evans for Rogers Owen Williams for Jarrod Evans or Sheedy and McLeod for anyone as we're strong there anyway. I'm a fan of Brown but I must admit I've kind of given up on him, he can't stay fit.

Like you I like Basham and Roberts but can't see them getting a look in.

 

[dullonien]

It'll be interesting to see if Gatland picks some of the younsters, and if so how many. Winnet, Martin, Mann, Morse, Fender, Deaves, and Fayi-Waboso have all shown real promise. Does Gatland give some of them opportunities during the 6N, or leave them to develop at their regions/clubs?

The whole Wales v England thing may force his hand re Feyi-Waboso. We're also despirate for options at fullback, so Winnet has done more than enough to warrant a place. 8 is another position where we need some more options, so Martin or Morse could be looked at. Fender > Beard, but the chances of that happening are slim.

 

[Welsh Exile]

I think Winnet and Feyi-Waboso will make it. Well, you'd hope so anyway they deserve it on merit. If you're good enough you're old enough etc etc. and as you rightly say we need full backs so Winnet especially should be in. Agree re Beard but no chance that's happening and it's probably too early for Morse although I'd have in the squad as I think this 6N is a bit of a throwaway for us anyway so why not.

It's a shame that Regan Grace guy got injured before his move to Racing or whoever it was but to be honest, like the back row we're alright in the back 3 as well (apart from 15) as shown with Feyi-Waboso coming through so don't really need anymore wingers and Dyer has been coming along brilliantly as well.

 

[Welsh Exile]

This back line could be interesting

9. Williams
10. Lloyd
11. Dyer
12. Tompkins
13. Grady
14. LRZ
15. Winnett

North is probably still probably the best person to play at 13 to win us test matches and he's been playing well but we know everything about George and this will be a good chance to develop Grady at 13. I wouldn't be against developing Roberts either but I'd say he's gone off the boil a bit whereas Grady has been playing well albeit mainly on the wing from what I can see

 

[dullonien]

This back line could be interesting

9. Williams
10. Lloyd
11. Dyer
12. Tompkins
13. Grady
14. LRZ
15. Winnett

North is probably still probably the best person to play at 13 to win us test matches and he's been playing well but we know everything about George and this will be a good chance to develop Grady at 13. I wouldn't be against developing Roberts either but I'd say he's gone off the boil a bit whereas Grady has been playing well albeit mainly on the wing from what I can see

I'd like to see a similar backline. Tomos has been in sensational form at 9, Gats needs to give him the same freedom Sherratt has and we'll see the best of him for Wales too. He and Lloyd as a halfback pairing would certainly be exciting!

Grady is still very raw, but his ceiling is huge. I think he's destined for the 23 shirt initially, but if he can show some form off the bench I'm sure Gats will give him a start or two. Roberts is struggling, along with the rest of the Scarlets players atm. I rate him highly though, great all round 13.

I really, really like the look of Winnett. Reminds me a lot of Keenan, not the biggest or fastest, but solid at everything and can act as an extra playmaker. Still got plenty of pace and elusiveness to finish opportunities too. He's looked like a sesoned pro so far with his positioning, earial work and kicking top notch. He'd be in my starting XV for the championship opener.

These players (+ the likes of Dafydd Jenkins who's taken his game and leadership to another level post WC) have really got me excited for the next few years. I'm not expecting too much this year as I'm sure it'll take time for them to bed in.

I'm still hopeful for Regan Grace too. I was so excited when he chose to switch codes, but it's been a horror couple of years for him. Fingers crossed he can get fit and get some games this side of summer. His talent is unreal, but injuries like that can completely stunt a player, just look at Keelan Giles who's never been able to rediscover his best, even after a prolongued injury free run.

 

[stus768]

Not sure where else to put this but the WRU make RFU look relatively competent. Offered to increase regions budgets but as a loan.

Warren Gatland risks losing Test stars to English clubs and abroad

ALEX BYWATER: Wales head coach Warren Gatland faces the prospect of a further mass exodus of his international stars to England and abroad amid drastic budget cuts.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Morgan Morse is a terrifying prospect.