Wales in Six Nations: Key questions as Warren Gatland ponders squad
Gatland’s key Wales issues for Six Nations squad
Image source, Huw Evans AgencyWarren Gatland is pondering several key issues before naming his Six Nations squad on Monday.
From Kingsholm on Friday night, to Swansea on Saturday and Newport on Sunday, his Wales coaching team have been running the rule over candidates.
Ospreys were the only winners as they became the first region to book their place in the knockout stages of the European Challenge Cup.
But who played themselves into – or out of – contention and what are the dilemmas facing the Wales head coach ahead of selection?
And could this campaign – which kicks off against France in Paris on 31 January – be Gatland’s last Six Nations as coach?
Keys to number 10
Sam Costelow was the last to wear the Wales number 10 jersey
Scarlets have yet to confirm the extent of Sam Costelow’s shoulder injury, but the look on head coach Dwayne Peel’s face was enough to suggest the worst.
“Sam is a tough boy and doesn’t usually come off unless it’s something bad,” he said.
Gareth Anscombe now looks odds-on to start in Paris.
But would the loss of Costelow mean a return for Ben Thomas in the shirt he wore in the summer tour to Australia – or could it open the door for former under-20s star Dan Edwards.
“He’s had back-to-back man of the match performances and is a great young player who can really add something to the Wales squad,” said ex-Wales star James Hook of Edwards, 21.
Ioan Lloyd and Callum Sheedy have not commanded a place, while Harlequins’ Jarrod Evans is eligible although has not played Test rugby since 2021.
Any faint hopes for Cai Evans have been dashed after the Dragon, part of the last Six Nations squad, suffered a serious Achilles injury on Sunday.
Front-row problems
Elliot Dee made his first start of the season for Dragons on Sunday
At last some positive injury news with the rare sight of a fit and healthy Wales hooker.
Elliot Dee’s timely return from a lengthy ankle problem will be welcomed by Gatland, who is without Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias, Liam Belcher and Efan Daniel.
“It was great to see him out there. He’s led with a real competitive edge and has the mentality to play at this and the next level,” said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia.
Sam Parry, a try scorer for Ospreys on Saturday, is the most obvious selection on paper, but only if he can resolve his differences with Gatland after walking out of the Wales camp last summer.
“Parry is a great set-piece hooker and whatever has gone on between them, they’ve got put it aside for the best of the team, especially given the injuries,” said Hook.
Elias may yet be picked, for the latter stages of the tournament, as well as Cardiff’s Evan Lloyd, despite his wayward throwing in Perpignan.
Gatland also has concerns over a third tight-head behind Henry Thomas and Keiron Assiratti.
Archie Griffin, Harri O’Connor and Sam Wainwright are all out and Leon Brown has been forced to retire, so could the coach recall Six Nations winner Dillon Lewis, as he did for the summer tour?
Experience
Liam Williams missed the 2024 Six Nations due to his move to Japan
The last Six Nations was marked by the lack of experience, but now Gatland could have nearly 300 caps-worth of knowhow in his ranks with Liam Williams, Taulupe Faletau, Josh Adams and Gareth Anscombe.
Between them the quartet have experience of winning countless titles, as well as British and Irish Lions tours and could prove the difference in tight games.
However, all four have niggles and will need managing through the campaign.
Jac Morgan missed last year’s tournament, but will also return, most likely as captain.
Locks
“His ball carrying and physicality is very strong and he’s calling the line-outs for us now as well,” said Gloucester head coach George Skivington.
“For a big man, he finds those link plays really well and we’ve felt for a long time he’s a real contender. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t make the Welsh team.”
Teddy Williams has started every game for Cardiff this season while, in stark contrast, Christ Tshiunza has not been picked to start by Exeter since October.
Preparation time
The likes of Tomos Williams could miss key preparation time before Wales play France
A quarter of Gatland’s Six Nations squad could be selected from clubs outside of Wales.
That includes first-choice locks Will Rowlands (Racing 92) and Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) and the Gloucester contingent that includes half-back pair Anscombe and Tomos Williams.
Gloucester take on Tommy Reffell’s Leicester on Saturday, 25 January at the same time as Saracens visit Exeter.
Wales would have access to non-Wales based players for three days before those matches, but then barely any time to get ready for France.
“Anscombe and Williams are our first-choice half-backs, but you would also expect them to be involved in that game for Gloucester, as well as Max Llewellyn and Freddie Thomas,” added Hook.
“But that means a six-day turnaround and only a couple of training sessions with Wales before France. That will be difficult.”
Possible bolters
Image source, Huw Evans Agency
Ellis Mee stands at 6ft 4in (1.93m) and qualifies for Wales through his mother
Gatland could be tempted to bring a new hooker with Cardiff’s Dafydd Hughes, Dragons’ Brodie Coughlan and Exeter’s Jack Innard all in form.
Welsh-qualified teenager Kepu Tuipulotu, the brother of Wales women international Sisilia, has also made his Bath debut this season.
Cameron Winnett looks jaded and Blair Murray, Josh Adams and Regan Grace all took knocks this week so could 21-year-old wing Ellis Mee get a look after just eight games at Scarlets?
“We’ve got some potential superstars behind the scrum,” said Scarlets captain Josh Macleod.
“When you look at from where someone started to where they are now, Ellis is very exciting.”
Uncapped Reuben Morgan-Williams will also surely be knocking on the door for one of three scrum-half spots.
