As Wales prepares for the Six Nations, players vie for selection after a mixed weekend in European rugby
Cardiff: European rugby weekends are always a big deal, but this one was even more crucial with the Wales squad announcement looming. Warren Gatland is set to name his squad for the Six Nations soon, and the coaches were out watching players closely.
It was a tough weekend for Welsh rugby overall. The Scarlets, Cardiff, and Dragons all faced defeats, while the Ospreys managed to secure a win, inching closer to the Challenge Cup knockout stage.
Let’s dive into who stood out and who didn’t this weekend.
First up, Olly Cracknell. The guy has been on fire this season! He played a massive role in Leicester’s win over Ulster, showing off his strength and skill. With 16 carries and 13 tackles, he’s definitely caught Gatland’s eye.
Then there’s Dan Edwards, a young talent who’s been making waves. He’s got a knack for creating opportunities and is super confident on the field. With injuries to other players, he might just get his shot with the national team.
Freddie Thomas also shone in the unofficial Welsh trial against the Scarlets. He’s been solid in the Premiership and showed he can handle the pressure. Alongside him, Josh Hathaway and Max Llewellyn had good games too, bringing speed and power to the mix.
Even in a tough loss, Josh Macleod stood out for the Scarlets. He’s had a strong season, and his leadership and defensive skills were on display, even if the team struggled overall.
On the flip side, the Scarlets had a rough outing. They fielded a young team but couldn’t keep up with Gloucester’s intensity. It was a disappointing performance, especially after showing improvement this season.
Sam Costelow’s injury was a real blow. He was in good form and likely to be picked, but now his status is uncertain. Fingers crossed he can recover in time for the Six Nations.
The Dragons also faced a tough day, losing to Pau. Despite some decent individual efforts, they were outmatched and now need a miracle to advance in the Challenge Cup. They’ve had a rough season and really need to rethink their strategy moving forward.
Let’s hope for better days ahead for Welsh rugby!
