Gareth must be fearless in the face of Bok fire
“It’s a cut-throat business and he knows it - it’s time Anscombe stepped up for Wales”
IMUST admit when I first saw Gareth Anscombe, I didn’t think he was international class – but how wrong I was. Gareth has proved he belongs at the highest level this season, but now it’s time for him to go up another notch. It’s a big week for him, starting with Wales’ clash against South Africa.
There’s been a lot of criticism of Saturday’s game with the Springboks. It’s outside the Test window – which led to three players being forced out of the match due to Premiership Rugby Limited rules – plus it’s also in a foreign destination and right on the back of the end-of-season finals.
I can see why people are pointing out those arguments and they all have merit.
But the bottom line is that as a Wales player, the match at RFK Stadium is a chance to take on a major rugby nation in a wonderful climate and state your claim for a World Cup spot.
This is where Gareth comes in. He’s a perfect example of a man with lots to play for.
Rhys Patchell’s involvement in the Guinness PRO14 final with the Scarlets means he is unlikely to start the game with South Africa. It opens the door for Gareth. Now he has to walk through.
I’ve been very clear in my praise for Rhys this season. I think he’s a fine player and we’re lucky to have so many options at fly-half alongside Dan Biggar, but rugby at the highest level is a cut-throat business and Gareth will know that. It’s time he stepped up for Wales.
What’s really impressed me about Gareth in recent months has been his game management. He looks like he’s ticking over now after a few niggling injuries and even though he’s moved between 10 and 15 for Cardiff Blues, it hasn’t impacted on his form. That’s impressive.
Like Rhys, Gareth plays very flat to the gain line and isn’t afraid to have defenders flying up in his face. When you do that, you bring runners into the game around you.
He did well in the Six Nations whenever he had the chance and I’m sure he’s the sort of player who will thrive on the hard surfaces in Washington and South America.
He will also be full of confidence after helping the Blues to Challenge Cup glory against Gloucester. As he showed in that final in Bilbao too he’s also a reliable goal kicker when the pressure is on. There is no Dan or Leigh Halfpenny on the tour this summer and that means someone has to take over from the tee. Gareth is more than capable of that.
It’s a big match first up for Wales and Warren Gatland’s selection is going to be fascinating. After bringing Gareth over from New Zealand, Warren clearly has a great deal of faith in him and he’ll be looking for that to be paid back in the weeks ahead.
Fly-half selection looks pretty obvious for the first game, but elsewhere things aren’t clear-cut. Wales need to pick a strong team because the last thing you want in the first game of a tour is to be turned over heavily. If that happens, everything afterwards is a struggle.
That’s why I’d name as strong a side as I possibly can, without risking the Scarlets boys. I’m sure if you asked most of Wayne Pivac’s squad who are travelling with Wales whether they wanted to go straight into the South Africa game, most of them would snap your hand off for a chance.
But player welfare and a degree of caution must be the order of the day and if I was in charge I’d play only three Scarlets against the Sprinboks: Scott Williams, Steffan Evans and Aled Davies.
Scott looks the only real 13 option in this squad – George North might end up there at some point – while Steff might get the nod ahead of the inexperienced Ashton Hewitt.
Tiredness shouldn’t be too much of an issue for Aled as he’s spent most of the season on the bench in Llanelli. Either he or Tomos Williams will start at scrum-half I’m sure.
In the pack, I’d give Rob Evans, Samson Lee, Aaron Shingler and James Davies a bit of a rest because they’ve all had long campaigns.
Tour co-captains Cory Hill and Ellis Jenkins both start for me, while I’d also give Ross Moriarty a run from the start. He should be raring to go after Gloucester gave him the cold shoulder!
Whoever ends up playing, a fast start is important. I’m sure the Boks won’t be at full strength, but at the same time they’ll be no pushovers either.
Wales can certainly win and after the last few months he’s had, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s Gareth who guides them home.