Anscombe’s eager to be starter at 10
GARETH Anscombe is dreaming of a first Six Nations start with Wales in his favoured fly-half position as he targets giving Warren Gatland’s side a fast start against Italy on Sunday.
The Cardiff Blues pivot has made a positive impact after moving into No 10 in Wales’ defeats to England and Ireland. Anscombe’s running threat and passing ability means he offers something different to Gatland’s other playmaking options of Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell.
“I’d love to get a chance in the 10 jersey,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“I want to put my hand up and have a crack, but obviously Rhys and Dan have done good jobs there.
“Rhys did well in the first couple of games and everyone knows the quality Dan brings to the team.
“As a 10 it’s about first making sure you play in the right areas of the park and when you get down there, making good decisions and executing them. There is always a risk and a reward with your decision making as a 10. It’s about applying pressure both with and without the ball.”
With head coach Gatland having admitted Wales are out of the Championship race following back-to-back defeats, Anscombe has urged his side to adopt a more positive attitude from the get go.
Wales face Italy at Principality Stadium on Sunday. Anscombe has made a positive impression when Wales have been behind in their last two encounters, but is confident he can make the same impact should he get the chance to start.
“As a team our attitude has to be more positive from the get go,” he said. “We’ve talked about that as a group and we need to back our skill set from the start.
“I’ve certainly noticed a massive improvement in the skill level since I’ve been involved in the squad and it’s positive to be a part of a team that’s capable of doing some special things.
“There are nerves when the game starts and you maybe don’t feel as loose compared to when things open up. I look back to the England game and so on, but overall I don’t think we’ve been too far away. In Ireland we weren’t up to scratch, but I think we’re moving in the right way and we just need to learn to be more accurate at the start and not allow teams to get ahead of us.”