Warren Gatland is set to announce his Wales squad for the Six Nations, hoping to turn around a tough run of form with experienced players returning.
Cardiff: So, Warren Gatland is gearing up to pick his squad for the Six Nations in a couple of weeks. After a rough 2024, he’s really hoping for a turnaround. The first match is against France in Paris, which is no walk in the park. Then, there’s a big clash with Italy that many are calling a potential Wooden Spoon decider.
Gatland is counting on some experienced players to help break a streak of 12 straight Test match losses. Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas is already speculating about who might make the cut.
One player to watch is Josh Adams. He’s back after missing the summer and autumn games due to injury. Last year, he was a key player, but injuries held him back. Now, he’s looking sharp and ready to show off his skills again.
Liam Williams is also back in the mix after sitting out the autumn matches. His experience will be a big boost for the team. It’s likely that Cameron Winnett and Rio Dyer will keep their spots, and Tom Rogers is also in the running after a solid performance against Australia.
There’s buzz around Exeter’s Zack Wimbush too. He’s a young talent who can play both centre and wing. At 6ft 6in and 118kg, he’s got the size to make an impact. If Gatland can convince him to play for Wales, it would be a huge win.
In the centre, Gatland has some tough choices. Mason Grady and Owen Watkin have had their chances, but finding the right combo has been tricky. Eddie James and Joe Roberts from the Scarlets are also in the mix, with Roberts bringing a unique style to the game.
At outside-half, Gareth Anscombe is likely to stay in the squad. He may not be at his peak, but his experience is invaluable. Sam Costelow has faced some criticism, but he’s still developing and has a lot of potential.
Wales is also hoping for Tomos Williams to be fit. He’s a dynamic player, but behind him, there’s a drop in experience. Rhodri Williams has been performing well and could be a solid backup.
In the front row, the team is facing some challenges. Dewi Lake is out after surgery, which is a big blow. Ryan Elias is also dealing with an injury, but Elliot Dee is back and ready to contribute.
As for the second-row, Dafydd Jenkins is returning just in time, which is great news since Adam Beard might miss the start of the tournament. The back row looks competitive, with players like Taulupe Faletau and Jac Morgan leading the charge.
Overall, Gatland has some tough decisions ahead, but there’s a lot of talent to work with. Fans are eager to see how the squad shapes up and if they can turn things around in the Six Nations.
