The first test between Wales and New Zealand is less than a fortnight away on the 11th June, but who will be the likely men to line-up for the welsh?
Choosing a 15 man side at this time with the Welsh squad due to fly out to New Zealand is bearing into mind of those with injuries such as Sam Warburton will be fully fit.
Loosehead prop(1):- Rob Evans. He has been in good form since the start of the world cup really and after scoring his first international try against England in the warm-up tie he is nailed on as favourite to start in the front row. More so with the poor show from Gethin Jenkins in the scrum in recent games.
Hooker(2):- Scott Baldwin. A solid figure in scrum and a king of turnovers in open play at times, a must starter for me against what will be a hardened front row and a viscous onslaught off the New Zealand attack. There is a good shout for Ken Owens however bringing him off the bench as an impact player will make him more effective.
Tighthead prop(3):- Samson Lee. A key scrum figure in the Welsh game with no burning options to challenge him for a start other than maybe Rhodri Jones who isn’t quite at knocking him of starting spot.
Locks(4+5):- Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris. The Welsh XV has an abundance of great locks to use from the ever great Alun Wyn, Charteris to Ospreys newcomer Bradley Davies and Jake Ball. However the work rate of A.W.Jones has to get him in the side with so many gain line breaks, tackles and turnovers to his name ever single time. Luke Charteris has always got to be included for his superior tackle count, with few missed and his abilities at driving mauls (setting and disrupting) and lineouts.
Blindside flanker(6):- Ross Moriaty. Yes he usually plays Openside, but can play across the back row. A superb player going forward and solid in defence. A developing talent and with Lydiate out for the tour, he will get game time and the chance to shine.
Openside flanker(7):- Sam Warburton. The man who is up there with Pocock on his day may have little game time under his belt, but Gatland is sure to pick him unless not fit enough to play, especially as he will be the captain. Will have the uncapped Ellis Jenkins behind him however after being called up late due to Dan Lydiate’s injury.
Number eight(8):- Toby (Talaupe) Faletau. The best eight in the game behind Keiran Reid and arguably Billy Vunipola. His defence is second to none, missing very few tackles in the 2016 Six Nations. He also offers a strong and durable threat off the back of the pack with a number of tries to his name.
Scrum half(9):- Rhys Webb. Such a quick thinking nine, fast around rucks and always offering a threat at broken down play. Does need to speed up delivery to the backs at times, but with bags of pace he is above Gareth Davies in most peoples Welsh XV.
Fly half(10):- Dan Biggar. Great ten when it comes to kick and chase ball retention, however whether it’s the lack of plays Wales have pre-learnt or his lack of want to play a quick ball out rather than kicking away ball or taking it straight into the first player. This isn’t just Dan, but most of Wales and so it does appear to be a coaching problem perhaps. He will however have to watch his attitude after his recent spat with referee Marius Mitrea after a controversial knock-on decision which led to an England try in their recent clash.
Wing(11):- George North. The best winger Wales has to offer by in current times, and one of the best in the 2016 Six Nations notching up superb tries throughout. No real competition to knock him out of the shirt, and so will start indefinitely in the Wales XV.
Inside centre(12):- Jamie Roberts. Gatland’s first pick at centre is Dr. Roberts. The 18st, six feet four inches tall man mountain causes problems for many in attack, but after three or four simple ”stick it up the jumper” plays where he just takes in the man, he becomes too predictable and his threat is nulled. For many another partnership is needed, but this is unlikely as hell freezing over under the Gatland regime.
Outside centre(13):- Jonathan Davies. When fully fit, Davies turns out to be our best centre in many Welsh fans eyes. He offers a very complicated attack system which is hard to combat with powerful mazy runs. He also brings a solid defence and a kicking game which is useful in both siege and defence. Scott Williams is however pushing hard for a place and will be a stern contender to start.
Wing(14):- Hallum Amos. The other in form Welsh wing bagged a handful of tries to end his season with the Dragons and probably just pushed out Tom James who apart from a 70m break against Scotland didn’t do much in the last Six Nations.
Full back(15):- Liam Williams. With Leigh Halfpenny struggling for game time due to injury in recent months, Williams has taken over the starting role of full back. he offers a strong attack with decent speed. Although his defence work is not great and his temper can be easily broken, something he will need to keep a lid on in the harsh environment of New Zealand.
Other than one or two players the Welsh XV is pretty nailed on for most. Welsh fans do seem to want Gareth Anscombe introduced at some point, more than likely at 15 as well as Scott Williams coming back at centre. Ellis Jenkins will hopefully also gain game time even if he doesn’t start the test.
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