The Autumn Internationals are fast approaching, and Wales will be looking to make a statement after a disappointing Six Nations campaign. There has been a fair amount of player turnover in recent months, so who are the players who should be in contention for a starting spot?
Forwards
The front row is likely to be unchanged from the Six Nations, with Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis all in good form. The second row could see a change, with Will Rowlands and Adam Beard pushing for a start.
The back row is one area where Wales have a lot of options. Taulupe Faletau is a certainty, while Justin Tipuric and Ellis Jenkins are also likely to start. Josh Navidi and Aaron Wainwright are other options, while newcomers Jac Morgan and Christ Tshiunza could also be in contention.
Backs
Gareth Anscombe and Dan Biggar are the two main contenders for the fly-half spot, while Callum Sheedy could also be an option. Owen Watkin and Jonathan Davies are likely to start in the center, with Louis Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams on the wings.
Hallam Amos and Liam Williams are the two main contenders for the full-back spot.
So, what would Wales’ ideal starting XV look like for the Autumn Internationals? Here is one possible team:
- 1. Wyn Jones
- 2. Ken Owens
- 3. Tomas Francis
- 4. Adam Beard
- 5. Will Rowlands
- 6. Taulupe Faletau
- 7. Justin Tipuric
- 8. Ellis Jenkins
- 9. Gareth Anscombe
- 10. Owen Watkin
- 11. Jonathan Davies
- 12. Louis Rees-Zammit
- 13. Josh Adams
- 14. Hallam Amos
- 15. Liam Williams
Of course, this is just one possible team, and there are a number of other players who could be in contention for a starting spot. The final decision will be up to head coach Wayne Pivac, and he will have to weigh up a number of factors, including form, fitness and experience.
Kind regards
C. Dixon
