Warren Gatland has named his squad ahead of the upcoming Autumn Internationals against Scotland, Australia, Tonga and South Africa. Robert Rees has the latest news following the Wales squad announcement.
REVEALED ??????? The Wales squad for the 2018 Under Armour Series, featuring uncapped duo Luke Morgan and Jonah Holmes.
? Wyth Llew yn dychwelyd i’r garfan, yn ogystal â dau wyneb newydd. pic.twitter.com/Q3XTltv1cD
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) 16 October 2018
Back row dilemma
With such riches in the back row, despite several injuries Warren Gatland has gone with some very familiar faces. Perhaps the shock exclusions are that of Dragons openside Ollie Griffiths and Wasps key man Thomas Young.
With the Rugby World Cup under 12 months away it would have been good to see what Young and Griffiths add, but Aaron Wainwright definitely ticks the box of inexperience and completes the mantra of building towards RWC2019. The 21 year old made his first competitive game at a professional level last season and has gone on to be a revelation since.
Embed from Getty ImagesRoss Moriaty will fill the gap of Faletau and Wales fans will be hoping it can re-kindle the form he had a few seasons back.
Exciting back line
The two new caps in the squad both lie on the wing. Josh Holmes of Leicester and Luke Morgan of the Ospreys have a history of banging in tries and Gatland will be hoping they can continue that form through to next year.
A fit Jon Davies accompanies Tyler Morgan, Hadleigh Parkes and Owen Watkin at centre.
Dan Biggar’s up and down form this season at Northampton will undoubtedly give Rhys Patchell and Gareth Anscombe a chance to cement their place in the starting 10 jersey. Anscombe half back partner Tomos Williams also makes the cut and will be looking forward to continuing their Blues form together in Cardiff.
Injury list hasn’t hit the depth chart
Gatland has had a pretty big injury list compiling ahead of the Wales squad announcement. Eight senior players missing including James Davies, Josh Navidi, Owen Lane, Seb davies, Aaron Shingler, Talaupe Faletau, Scott Williams and Hallum Amos.
Despite the growing list it hasn’t really affected the strength in depth. Dan Lydiate is a surprising inclusion in terms of his form compared to other back row players, but no doubt he is there to cover the blindside as Moriaty moves to eight.
Back line form pivotal
Wales will need tries if they are to progress long into the Rugby World Cup knockout stages. Genuine backline form is something they haven’t had for a few seasons now, where all the players are on supreme form.
George North and Luke Morgan haven’t stopped scoring tries this season for the Ospreys. Neither has Liam Williams in the Gallagher Premiership. Jonah Holmes brings some excellent pedigree and man of match performances with him during a tough season for Leicester.
Jonathan Davies’ form appears as if he’s never been away from the game and you can expect Parkes to do similar inside of him. Patchell vs. Anscombe for the fly half jersey has been the biggest battle raging inside Welsh rugby this season and will continue to do so over the four Tests.
Tomos Williams, despite his youth, looks like a general behind his forwards and expect him to do the same behind a strong Welsh pack.
Durable yet dynamic pack
Wales’ tight five is fully fit. Something that can worry all four teams that they’ll face this autumn. Jake Ball returns to the Welsh team following some excellent form at Parc Y Scarlets this year and is joined by a fleet of set piece guru’s, dynamic ball carriers and problematic jackelers. Problematic that is if you’re on the opposition.
If Wales can avoid mass injuries in the coming weeks then they could well be expected to win at least three of their four games against some top opposition.
Wales kick off their autumn campaign against Scotland on Saturday 3rd of November. Don’t expect anything out of the ordinary against the Scots as Gatland looks to kick Wales off with a win and go from there. Tonga will be the experimental game.
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