Wales squad imo:
Looshead props : Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Nicky Smith.
Rob Evans is another option, but can struggle in the scrum. Nicky Smith, whilst just back from injury, has already shown that he's more than solid in that regard. Jenkins will head into the tournament first choice, but I expect Smith to be pushing him hard by mid tournament.
Hookers : Ken Owens, Scott Baldwin, Richard Hibbard.
Owens is the clear first choice in my view, but Baldwin is a current favorite of the coaching team. Hibbard has fallen away somewhat, but I'd be tempted to have him on the bench for the impact he brings.
Tighthead props : Samson Lee, Tomas Francis, Rhodri Jones / Aaron Jarvis.
Still our big area of concern. Samson Lee is in a race against time to be fit, hopefully he makes it in time. Tomas Francis isn't Welsh yet, he could well opt for England instead. Rhodri Jones is due back from injury imminently, and is imo our next best option, even if there are question marks surrounding his scrummaging. Aaron Jarvis isn't a great option, but is the next best we have given that Adam Jones still looks poor.
Second rows : Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Jake Ball, Bradley Davies.
Alun-Wyn Jones and Charteris are nailed on starters imo. Ball offers good backup, as does Davies.
Backrow : Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Dan Baker.
The tried and tested backrow unit of Lydiate, Warbs and Faletau will likely start the big games, even if I'd opt for a Warbs, Tips, Faletau trio. Baker is doing a lot right atm, and should have cemented his place on the plane.
Scrum half : Rhys Webb, Gareth Davies / Mike Phillips.
Webb is clearly first choice. Again, with squad places tight, there's probably only really two scrum half places available. Davies didn't do himself any favors being sent off for the Scarlets a couple of weeks ago, but he's shown a lot over the last couple of seasons. I'm still tempted by Phillips' experience, which could prove useful in the WC. Aled Davies, Rhodri Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Jonathan Evans are there or thereabouts as well.
Outside half : Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland.
Not sure about Priestland. He's not getting a huge about of game time at the Scarlets due to him leaving them at the end of the season, and he's struggled with consistency ever since the last WC, but not sure who else there is. I'd be tempted by Hook as a utility player (see below). Anscome does little for me, whilst Patchell is injured again. Sam Davies has played well for the Ospreys in Biggar's absence, and is an option.
Centers : Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, James Hook / Ashley Beck / Cory Allen / Tyler Morgan.
Hook's a good option for a WC squad, where numbers are tight. He covers 10, both center positions and fullback. Anyone know when Beck or Allen are due back? Big fan of both, but it's realistically probably too late for them for the WC. Tyler Morgan is an exciting prospect, offering something different to the others with his pace.
Back three : George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, Eli Walker / Halam Amos.
I think Alex Cuthbert, despite his fall from grace, will go to the WC. He's too lethal a finisher to leave at home, and I'd expect him to improve again. Straight shoot-out between Walker and Amos for the final place in this squad. Amos has improved hugely, a very rounded player, but can be guilty of costly errors when placed under pressure. Walker is as injury prone as they come, but returns quickly to for each time, and consistently shows how lethal he can be.
I have a feeling I've forgotten a player or two, but it's too late, so I'll leave it as this for now.
