Who’ll be in... and unveils Wales squad
THE start of European rugby means that the autumn internationals are on the horizon with Warren Gatland naming his first Wales squad in over a year on October 24.
While the majority of the names in the squad are already written in with permanent marker, there are still some spots up for grabs as Wales continue to build towards the 2019 World Cup.
But just who will Gatland pick for his squad?
Well, we decided to scribble some names on the back of a cigarette packet and put together who we think the Kiwi will select, going on the basis he picks a 36-man squad as was the case last autumn and for this year’s Six Nations.
So here’s the Wales squad we think Warren Gatland is most likely to pick this autumn...
BACK-THREE
Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, George North, Steff Evans, Hallam Amos DROPPING any one of British and Irish Lions stars Halfpenny, Williams and North would send shockwaves around Welsh rugby, giving their stock at the moment – while Scarlets flyer Evans has to make the squad given he tops near enough every PRO14 statistic going.
Assuming he picks five back-three players, who nabs the final spot in Gatland’s plan is the real conundrum, with Hallam Amos, Keelan Giles, Ashton Hewitt, Alex Cuthbert and Rhun Williams all chasing an autumn call-up.
But the best bet would be Gatland going with Dragons star Amos, who has offered versatility and footballing ability to Wales squads in the past. Despite only just coming back from a long-term injury suffered against Australia last November, the 23-year-old is probably still the next cab off the rank given none of the others are in particularly sparkling form.
CENTRES
Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan LIONS man of the series Davies is a sure-fire pick and, fitness permitting, will start against Australia on November 11. Scott Williams is likely to wear the 12 jersey inside him, despite struggling for form so far this season.
Harlequins inside centre Jamie Roberts will surely feature in the squad, despite losing his spot in the starting XV to Williams last year, after being chosen to captain Wales on the summer tour of Tonga and Samoa.
The final centre spot probably goes to Tyler Morgan, with Gatland a big fan of the Dragons midfielder who impressed at the Arms Park last Friday – setting up George Gasson’s try with a scintillating break.