Wales are thankfully not in the same boat as England this summer. The English will be missing a host of influential players as they travel to New Zealand. With the regions underperforming this year Wales will have players in camp far earlier and be set for the difficult task in South Africa. The question is should Wales take their strongest available squad?
A vast majority of the Welsh starting XV were on the Lions tour and have played a lot of rugby in the last year. It is even possible to go back to the last World Cup and say that since then this crop of players has not had a sustained period of rest. People may say that ‘they are professionals’, or ‘that is their job.’ However, without a period of rest injuries are inevitable as the body fatigues with the strains of the modern game. These are injuries that Wales can ill-afford going into another Six Nations and a World Cup.
With Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny, Richard Hibbard and Rhys Webb all of the tour before it starts, Wales will struggle against a strong South African outfit. This is without mentioning Justin Tipuric’s ‘shoulder problem’ which could be aggravated on the two tests in South Africa. The ‘Possible V Probable’ game which Gatland muted earlier this year looks unlikely to happen. Wales should take the idea of trying out the young talent but in a test arena. If Wales lose with our strongest team Gatland won’t learn a great deal, if Wlaes lose with some youngsters in the ranks some new gems might just be found. So who are the youngsters that warrant a place on the tour?
Full-Back – Sam Davies
The Young Osprey was voted IRB Junior Player of the Year last year and has been a regular starter for the Ospreys at the back end of the season. Covers full-back well, although his regular position is at outside-half. Full-back could be where he gets his opportunity with Leigh Halfpenny out and Liam Williams perhaps lacking the temperament for the big games.
Wing – Jordan Williams
The Scarlets starlet has wowed crowds at Parc Y Scarlets this year as he has gained a starting role following the departure of George North. His defence can be questioned but in attack he can be devastating. Might be a ‘small’ for the type of player that Gatland likes, as he favours the giant winger, but his ability certainly warrants a chance.
Centre – Cory Allen
This call up is becoming more likely week on week. The Blues centre has been outstanding since he came back from injury and against the Scarlets he ran the show, keeping current Wales centre Jon Davies unusually quiet. Like all the backs in this list so far Allen is adaptable and had play inside or outside centre. He has the physical attributes of a 12 with the hands of a 13.
Outside-Half – Owen Williams
This young man has had a phenomenal season. He left Parc Y Scarlets last summer with very little media attention; the press was busy with George North’s switch to Northampton. Since he arrived in Leicester he has played his was into selection, keeping out Toby Flood, who has been capped 60 times for England. Owen Williams is yet to win his first; it will surely come this summer.
Number 8 – Dan Baker
The Ospreys number eight has had a great end to the season and has given the Ospreys a real boost. Number eight is a position Wales lack some depth in and Taulupe Faletau has played a lot of rugby in the last few years, an ideal way to rest him. Although he is still young Dan Baker has great game awareness, always beats the first man and will always be looking for the offload. Gives great go forward to the Ospreys.
Tight-Head Prop – Samson Lee
The young tight-head has been instrumental in the Scarlets much improved scrum this year. He has adapted quickly to the rule changes with the scrum and it has made him one of the best tight-heads in Wales. Adam Jones will not play forever and Wales need experience after he retires. Samson Lee could be given that experience on this tour. He has also played far more minutes that Adam Jones in recent weeks.
These six players have a great chance of getting on the plane to the Rainbow nation. Of course there are more young players than this; Josh Navidi, Gareth Davies, Matthew Morgan and Jack Dixon are all going well for their regions. It shows that the Welsh talent pool is still out there, it is up to the national selectors to use it.
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