Six Nations Preview – Are Wales up to the task?

The Six Nations tournament is here, and with it the chance for players to stake a claim for a place in this year’s World Cup squad. It’s Gatland’s last chance at Six Nations glory as he looks to build momentum before his last tournament with Wales at the World Cup. But what are our chances like?

With Sam Warburton no longer involved, can Justin Tipuric step up to the plate? Having played the majority of his career in Warburton’s shadow, we’d like to think he’ll take his chance. And if his performances against both Scotland and Australia are anything to go by, he’s one of the players to watch this year.

At 5/1, the bookmakers are sitting on the fence with regards to Wales’ chances of winning the Six Nations and, if we’re honest, who can blame them? In years gone by, we’ve flattered to deceive and failed to live up to expectations. Although we finished in second place last year, Ireland were well ahead of us in terms of both quality and finishing off games.

Gatland’s send-off

Enjoying an unbeaten stretch of nine games was the perfect way to finish the calendar year, but Gatland will look for more from his charges this year. According to the man himself, the key to winning the tournament is maintaining momentum, and with a team currently in the ascendancy, he will feel that Wales are in the perfect position. He wants a proper build up to Japan, and that means a solid Six Nations campaign.

Injury problems

Faletau is unfortunately out, having been named in the original 40-player group before breaking his right arm again on his return to action for Bath. Leigh Halfpenny is involved, but concussions are a dangerous injury and Gatland himself has stated that they will be very careful with the Scarlets player. Although he has returned to full training, a negative assessment could mean that he misses the start of the campaign, if not all of it.

Dan Biggar has a knee problem, Rhys Patchell a hamstring issue, Adam Beard a neck injury, and Ross Moriarty suffered a concussion. These players are all on injury assessment, so it’s likely they will play their part, but it’s not clear when. The fact that they are included in the squad bodes well, but it still could leave us light in the opening matches.

A new hope

Tomos Williams and Thomas Young have given all Welsh rugby fans hope for a very bright future, and their inclusion in the squad is wholly justified. Williams played his first two tests last year and looked the real deal against Argentina in Santa Fe. The talented scrum-half is highly-regarded by Gatland, and although Gareth Davies has recovered from his thigh injury, Williams could see himself named as a replacement. We expect to see him get plenty of minutes, although he’s unlikely to start.

Young’s place in the squad is also warranted, with his consistent form for Wasps this season resulting in a long-awaited call-up. Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi are ahead of him right now while he also has Aaron Wainwright for competition, but Young will feel that he deserves a run out at some point. He’s an excellent all-round player that thoroughly deserves his chance, and we can’t wait to see him make his debut.

The opponents

Ireland and a resurgent England are Wales’ biggest threats, but we still can’t write off neither France nor Scotland. While the French aren’t the force they once were, they’re still a more than capable side, and although they’re unlikely to win the tournament outright, they could cause some problems. Hopefully, they’ll throw a spanner in the works for both the Ireland and the England camps.

If we play well (and we should), it could all come down to that last game against Ireland. England are all talk about their chances this year, but most of it is just bluster and mind games from Jones and his crew. The teams to watch over the coming weeks and in October will be Ireland and Wales. Both coaches have a World Cup axe to grind, and the Six Nations is the perfect sharpening stone.