Wales’ 2016 Six Nations squad: The verdict

With just over two weeks until the start of the Six Nations, Wales have named the squad that they hope will lead them to a third consecutive post-Rugby World Cup Grand Slam.

As is often the case when Warren Gatland names a Wales team, there were few surprises in the 37-strong squad picked for this year’s Six Nations.

With just one uncapped player selected in Aled Davies, this squad was very much a case of what Gatland knows and likes. Whenever possible in his eight-year reign, the New Zealander has gone for the tried-and-tested option rather than something newer and this squad is no different.

While current form is not overlooked as such, Gatland likes to keep faith in players who have performed at this level for him before – which can result in others being left out in the cold. There was once again no room for Cardiff Blues back row Josh Navidi while the experience of Gloucester duo James Hook and Richard Hibbard was once again overlooked. However, these omissions were far from surprising – expected rather.

Twitter: Here it is…Wales’ 2016 @rbs_6_nations Squad. https://t.co/jnwyy3yOxf (@WelshRugbyUnion)

The most surprising omissions were arguably Blues fly-half Rhys Patchell, who could rightly feel aggrieved not to have been picked following his fine form at the Cardiff Arms Park. Before the announcement, many would have forecasted the Scarlets-bound stand-off to force his way into Gatland’s squad but when that did not materialise, there was no shock or disbelief.

In his place in the squad is Matthew Morgan, just one of many example in this side of a player who has not quite reproduced the good at domestic level but is still rewarded for his international appearances. Morgan, who will replace Patchell at the Blues next season, has struggled for game-time at Bristol this year following the announcement of his departure and his place in the squad as fly-half and fullback cover looked under threat.

But Gatland rewarded the pocket rocket for his exploits when on Wales duty, particularly his performance against Fiji in the World Cup, and he duly retained his place. Of course, Morgan is not the only player to have required a show of faith from the coach.

Alex Cuthbert, Rhys Priestland and, to a certain extent, Gethin Jenkins may well breathe a slight sigh of relief despite all being widely expected to be named in the 37-man squad. Cuthbert endured a horrendous World Cup as he was blamed for Fourie Du Preez’s match-winning try in the quarter-final and while he has improved in the last few weeks, he has yet to recapture the form that saw him feared by defences.

Priestland will be pleased to have been selected following his quick u-turn from his self-imposed exile from international rugby – the former Scarlet announced his sabbatical in October when joining Bath only to change his mind recently.

The main problem for the fly-half will be the lack of rugby under his belt since his move across the border to England. While Priestland will almost certainly play second-fiddle to talismanic pivot Dan Biggar, his ring-rustiness could be a concern if called upon off the bench.

There were whispers that Jenkins, along with fellow front-row colleague Paul James, were in danger of missing out on selection with young talent such as Nicky Smith pushing for a place. But both were included and, as they reach the twilight years of their career, will be desperate to make their selection worthwhile.

Of course, while there were no real surprises in the announcement of the squad, it does not mean there will not be any shock selection in the 23 to face Ireland in Dublin. Uncapped Scarlets scrum-half Davies joins the group, on the face of it, as third-choice as Rhys Webb continues to recover from the horrific injury that saw him miss out on the World Cup.

But there has been talk that his fast delivery and calm presence has impressed the coaching team and that, along with the fact that he has usurped World Cup star Gareth Davies as first-choice at the Scarlets, could see him start in the opener.

Another position for debate is full-back with the long-term holder of the position Leigh Halfpenny out injured and deputies Liam Williams and Gareth Anscombe fighting fitness battles of their own. If fit, Williams would be the most likely option with Anscombe, who made his return against Harlequins on the weekend, a very capable option.

Of course, if neither were available in Dublin, then either Morgan or Hallam Amos could easily slot in having both played rugby there before.

Amos, however, will be competing for another position in the side, with a wing spot potentially up for grabs given Cuthbert’s loss of form. The returning Tom James, back in the Wales squad for the first time since 2010, would appear to be in pole position if Cuthbert is dropped, having outplayed his Blues teammate on several occasions this season although Amos will challenge having impressed at the World Cup.

Of course, Cuthbert may be picked and there may be no surprises just like there were no surprises in the initial announcement. But with a month until the Ireland match and another round of European fixtures still to come potentially risking squad members’ fitness, you would not rule out a surprise quite yet – even if it is not of Gatland’s doing.

Wales squad for 2016 RBS Six Nations: