A vast sense of relief swept throughout the Millennium Stadium in late November, when Wales finally broke their southern hemisphere hoodoo by defeating the Springboks, thereby finishing 2014 on a high.
It gave Wales the belief they can defeat the big three southern hemisphere sides.
The Six Nations gives players a chance to put themselves in contention for the World Cup and there are quite a few surprises within coach Warren Gatland’s 34-man squad.
Firstly, in the props the big news is the omission of veteran tight head prop Adam Jones, with Scott Andrews chosen. Andrews – who is Jones’ teammate at Cardiff Blues – hasn’t started a Pro 12 game this season for Cardiff due to Jones being first choice, but barring injury this likely spells the end of Jones’ international career.
There is an experienced core of players in the second row, and Alun Wyn Jones struck up a good partnership with Jake Ball during the autumn internationals. But fellow locks Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies, who starred for Wales in previous Six Nations tournaments, will push them hard.
The backrow more or less picks itself with workhorse Dan Lydiate at six, captain Sam Warburton at seven and Talupe Faletau.
However, it is the omission of Cardiff Blues’ Josh Navidi that is contentious, especially after a litany of strong performances. The 24-year-old has been a bright spot in a mixed season for the Blues, being awarded man of the match on four occasions in the Pro 12 this season.
By not selecting the versatile back-rower, who has just the solitary cap for Wales back in 2013, it means Faletau is the sole No.8 in the squad. Ospreys’ Dan Baker is currently out with a neck injury and if Faletau is injured during the Six Nations then it leaves no cover whatsoever, which leaves some hope that Navidi could be called up midway through the competition.
The backs pose several dilemmas of their own. What will please Gatland is the abundance of depth within the halfbacks – arguably the best in the northern hemisphere. Scrumhalves Rhys Webb and Mike Phillips provide youthful exuberance and veteran cunning.
Webb cemented his starting berth with impressive displays in the autumn internationals, especially against New Zealand and Australia. His awareness and sniping runs, that brought him so many tries at the Pro 12 (where he is the leading try scorer with seven), have allowed him to enjoy a smooth transition from regional to international level.
Phillips will provide experience from the bench, but push Webb to perform at his best.
But it is at flyhalf is where Wales’ depth runs deepest. There is little doubt Dan Biggar will be the starting flyhalf for Wales against England. If he continues his purple patch he can easily ignite his backs and that is ominous for the opposition.
However, the main story is the selection of Gareth Anscombe. Since moving to Cardiff from the Chiefs in the autumn Anscombe has shown enough, despite just nine appearances for the club, to convince Gatland to select him. He will battle the Scarlets’ Rhys Priestland for a spot on the bench.
Priestland took a knock of confidence when fans booed him against the Wallabies in November, which Gatland and other Welsh players condemned. However, some have said it was the main factor in him moving to England next season where he will play for premiership big-spenders Bath.
Utility back James Hook was yet again overlooked, which means World Cup selection is unlikely.
In the centres Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts are a solid combination, mixing creativity with power. One to certainly watch is 19-year-old centre Tyler Morgan, who has been promoted from Wales’ under-20s to the senior squad. His impressive performances for the Dragons in the Pro 12 this season have not gone unnoticed. Morgan signed a dual contract (with the Dragons and Welsh Rugby Union) back in December, highlighting his potential.
In the three quarters a selection dilemma arises for Gatland. For the last few years Wales’ back three has been Leigh Halfpenny at fullback, with George North and Alex Cuthbert on the wings. However, Liam Williams has been in blistering form this season for the Scarlets at fullback. The clamour for Williams to start for Wales either at fullback or wing has steadily grown, which means Gatland has to decide to either accommodate Williams and drop a player or leave the Scarlets fullback on the bench.
If Williams does start against England, then Cuthbert or North’s place will be under threat. Halfpenny’s accurate long-range goalkicking is a vital attribute to Wales’ game, which the fullback showed last year. Although dropping North is a paradox seeing the winger has scored 11 tries in 14 games for Northampton this season.
Gatland will be content knowing at least 85-90 per cent of his starting line-up in the run up to the Six Nations. But Wales’ fortunes in the competition depend on whether they beat England in their opening game. Win and the trip to a resurgent Scotland at Murrayfield become less daunting. Lose in Cardiff and they could easily be winless in two games if Scotland repeats their impressive showing in the autumn internationals.
Player to watch out for: Dan Biggar
The Ospreys stand-off has shown hard graft can produce exceptional results after nailing the No.10 spot. The 25-year-old has come a long way since making his debut in 2008 against Canada. Biggar is the leading points-scorer in the Pro 12 this season and is spearheading the Ospreys’ attempt to win the competition – and at the halfway mark they are the league leaders.
Biggar was exceptional in the autumn internationals where his all-action performance against South Africa symptomatic of where he is at. Putting the body on the line on several occasions helped inspire his fellow players and led to a famous victory against the Springboks.
While fans will prefer to see him inspire in attack or defence, if Biggar continues his form then Wales can truly ignite.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Wales have the players they have to make a statement in the six nations or they will get rolled in the world cup. If they just play the same type of tough but just losing rugby then oz and England will just punish them.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Thanks LDU as I have wondered why Stephen Hook's star faded over the years as he was a gifted and game breaker 10 when I saw him play international rugby for the first time. This is a pity as there was no one he respected to help guide him reach his potential. Mystery solved then... An optimistic view and thank you, Yousef. Like Harry, I can't wait for the start of pool A.
Harry Jones
Expert
I'll defer to you You sound like you've observed him closer Cheers!
44bottles
Roar Guru
Williams has always been really talented, and would be much more established in the squad if he didn't do so many nobbish things. Cost Wales the second test against the Boks when he shoulder-charged Hendriks, forcing the ref to award a penalty try. He could've easily taken Hendriks in a normal tackle or at least forced a sideline conversion, but he gave Steyn the easy conversion. I also remember the way he was acting against Ireland in the 6N. He 'accidentally' landed on someone after the try was scored and also seemed to make it his mission to put some big, but illegal, hit on BOD. Though he managed to injure himself in the second tackle. Karma I guess. It's a shame. He has a bundle of talent but has inherited the same 'nob gene' that has affected so many players. Farrell, Hartley, Beale. many players have been affected.
44bottles
Roar Guru
It's definitely NOT because I don't want my club to look like the place where Welsh International Careers die!
RobC
Roar Guru
true Birdy. I had my tenses mixed up. England has been predictable in the past. I believe their next few games, might be less so. Yup, saw the game. Was a pretty good combination Will be v interested how they perform will less time/space
Birdy
Guest
Big call for Lancaster, RobC. Yes England's attack has been predictable. Last week, though, Ford, Eastmond and Joseph tore Toulouse apart in the European Champions Cup. They're all in the England squad. If he summoned up the courage and picked all 3 England would not be predictable in attack. He won't, though, and against Roberts and Davies in Cardiff on a Friday night (with the roof closed?) you can see the argument.
RobC
Roar Guru
Their attack is predictable, I believe. Just like English. But the scrum isnt as good, in particular the 2nd shove
Birdy
Guest
I think it will be very tough down there as well, JimmyB. I'd be a lot happier with Lawes, Launchbury, Morgan and Tuliagi fit with more confidence that Corbisiero and Coles are match-fit. Cardiff on a Friday night in the 6 Nations is no place to discover you're a little off the pace. Wales are a puzzling side, Lion. Particularly their record against SH sides and Australia more than any. All sides struggle against the ABs and the Boks have been consistent in the last few years, but I would have thought that Wales game is tailor-made to beat the Wallabies. A physical pack, good at the set-piece with backs that can get over the gainline and a backrow that can slow ball down. It's not far from England's approach towards the Wallabies. Why, then, should Wales have such a bad record against the Aussies lately? Often I look at the Wales starting XV and think what a cracking side. While you've often played to your potential in the last decade or so in the 6 Nations; against the SH and really even at WCs (I never understood why 3 losses at 2011 should have had the Welsh fans in raptures) I get the impression you've been less than the sum of your parts.
nickoldschool
Guest
I also had the kiwi thing in mind Jimmy but didn't want to attract too much unwanted attention on the thread ;)
Lion Down Under
Guest
It'll be close. But your bench is far better than our bench. I think Gatland should keep the starting XV on the field for 80 mins if he can - like he did against S Africa. I'm glad Wales no longer have an "A" side. That England Saxons side is very tasty - they'd beat most national teams I reckon. In a way that's Lancaster's problem. Loads of very good players, not many outstanding ones, and he still doesn't know what his best combinations are.
Lion Down Under
Guest
I put Jenkins in over James for his tackling/breakdown work as I've left Lydiate out of my matchday squad. If Lydiate was in I'd pick James over Jenkins. Young Nicky Smith should come through next year but is injured at the moment. Morgan is fast and strong but intelligent with it. Seems to have really good spatial awareness and ability to make breaks. Has burst through from the U20s. Like what I see (though mainly YouTube clips of Dragons games).
JimmyB
Guest
I'd also say that England have got a very tough assignment ahead of them against Wales.
JimmyB
Guest
True Nick, although baring in mind that Gatland is a kiwi, it sort of makes sense. To my knowledge, Anscombe hasn't been pulling up any trees and if Gatland didn't want to pick Williams because he's playing at Leicester then Patchell should have been the next cab of the rank. Good squad that Lion, although I'd probably swap James in ahead of Jenkins. Haven't seen Morgan play, what's he like?
nickoldschool
Guest
Yes that's what I thought too. He's in the pack but IMO not good enough to turn down local talent. Best way to alienate the fans and players IMO. Tend to think coaches in the north still look at all southerners with their rose tinted glasses. Not sure kockott or anscombe would be in the mix if they were born there.
Lion Down Under
Guest
A bit. But it's true. He's been an international player since 2005, he should have worked on the weaknesses in his game by now but he hasn't. A modern 10 has to be a game manager (yes, even French ones who have a game-managing 9 to help them). I personally think he would have made a very good outside centre if he'd applied himself to that position and learnt to work his undoubted skill in more of a systemic way. But he's always wanted to play 10 and never really listened to coaches. Even last month there were interviews with him basically saying "I want to do things my own way". He is very skilful, he has bags of talent. But it's not always enough. As I said he may have just been born in the wrong era.
Lion Down Under
Guest
He hasn't been. The pecking order is Biggar..... Daylight...... Priestland (though very much a confidence player)..........then a group of Owen Wiliams (playing at Leicester and not in the squad), Rhys Patchell (injured) and Gareth Anscombe. Jonathon Davies has been awful at Clermont (in the small amount he's played) according to reports - not seen the games myself - but Gatland often doesn't take any notice of club form. This is probably one reason why Josh Navidi wasn't picked, the other being that Taulupe Faletau never seems to get injured. Personally I'd pick the following XXIII: Liam Williams Leigh Halfpenny Scott Williams Jamie Roberts George North Dan Biggar Rhys Webb Gethin Jenkins Richard Hibbard (really wish K Owens was fit and starting though so Baldwin would drop out of the XXIII - he's not international class for my liking) Samson Lee Alun-Wyn Jones Jake Ball Sam Warburton Taulupe Faletau Justin Tipuric Subs: Scott Baldwin (not international class though. All our other hookers are injured or kids) Paul James Aaron Jarvis (though again is not international class. Better than Scott Andrews though who's 4th choice at Cardiff) Bradley Davies Josh Navidi (yes, I know he's not in the squad but Dan Lydiate either starts, or shouldn't be in the XXIII) Gareth Davies (assuming fitness) Owen Williams (again, I know he's not in the squad but I'm not convinced Anscombe has done enough yet.) Tyler Morgan
Firstxv
Guest
Great to see Liam Williams finally shining through. For the 20 odd minutes I saw of him a couple of AI's ago versus the AB's I thought he was the best Welsh/ NH even back I'd seen in years. Very talented. Anscombe's been up and down for Cardiff from reports and Gat's did say he got a positive nod from Wayne Smith at the Chiefs so although that could be reduced to chit chat by some Wayne Smith knows the importance of disseminating that sort of information to someone in gats position. he wouldn't have done it lightly. Jury's out really and its up to Anscombe to make his mark at the higher level. I think (and hope) he will, and in short time.
nickoldschool
Guest
Great stuff as usual yousef. Haven't seen anscombe play since he moved up north but with the depth Wales have at ten that's the kind of player I would omit. That's provided he hasn't been outstandingly better than the Welsh boys.
Harry Jones
Expert
Harsh