How trial clash could give as Pivac weighs his options
Wainwright fell behind during the Six Nations after a strong World Cup. But he’s young and would probably welcome any opportunity to put himself back in contention. At 32, Shingler is at the other end of the spectrum, but he’s one of the fittest players in the game and will feel he still has much to offer. 7. Josh Navidi v Justin Tipuric Two back-rowers who can be called top class without any danger of overegging the pudding.
Navidi has played a lot at blindside and No. 8 but wherever he features he’s an absolute menace to opponents with his selflessness, bravery and technique at the breakdown.
He and Tipuric are cut from the same cloth in that they shun the limelight and are happiest when giving everything for the team.
You’d want them each in the Wales starting line-up.
8. Ross Moriarty v Josh Macleod Moriarty plays on the edge and it’s never a bad thing for a team to have at least one player of his ilk. He’s hard-nosed and uncompromising, but he also has skills that are underrated: recall his subtle pass in the build-up to a Hallam Amos try in the second Test against Argentina in 2018.
A centre would have happily signed off such a flick.
There is a shortage of Wales qualified No. 8s in the west right now but let’s opt for Josh Macleod, who played in the position back in the day.
Playing at openside, the Scarlet has had a superb season so far. If anyone deserves a chance to advance his case on a bigger stage, it’s the Pembrokeshire-raised turnover king.