GATLAND IS FACING SOME TOUGH CALLS
IT’S decision time for Warren Gatland with one Test remaining of the expedition to the Americas and Wales in position to return home unbeaten.
Not many would have predicted that before the clash with South Africa in Washington and the opening rubber with Argentina with coach Gatland having rested a number of his stars.
But it’s been a rewarding and, so far, a winning experience for the youngsters he picked but the successes have given him a real selection headache.
Does he pick what he believes is his strongest XV to face an Argentina team who were embarrassed in San Juan and I’d expect to be bent on revenge during next Saturday’s rematch in Santa Fe or another mixand-match side?
I was very impressed by how comfortable and composed Wales became as the first encounter progressed and their discipline improved.
Argentina dominated possession and put Wales under a lot of pressure but the defence was outstanding with Cory Hill and Rob Evans doing brilliantly to deny Marcos Kremer a fivepointer.
Wales emerged worthy winners and, although there are still questions to be addressed, I believe Gatland got some answers as he looks to build a squad for next year’s World Cup.
If I was in his shoes, I’d reward players for their efforts against South Africa and Argentina and go strong for the finale.
BACK THREE
I’d keep Hallam Amos at full-back. He’s done quite well, dummying his way over for a try against the Springboks and drawing three defenders on to him before finding James Davies with an outrageous flip pass for Wales’ opening try at the weekend.
George North looks like he’s got his appetite for rugby back and I was pleased with the way he ran on to Gareth Davies’ flat pass for his try, while Josh Adams performed some important defensive duties when Argentina were pushing for a score during the opening quarter.
He also made a promising break through midfield to create a scoring chance but Wales ended up fluffing it because there weren’t enough players in support.
CENTRES
I’d say same again at centre with Scott Williams and Hadleigh Parkes, who is proving such an influential player in the backs.
OUTSIDE-HALF
Rhys Patchell seems to have got the upper hand in his battle with Gareth Anscombe for the No.10 jersey.
Patchell appeared to be more confident with his kicking out of hand having improved. He played well but whether that would be the case if he wasn’t surrounded by his colleagues from the Scarlets and was out of his comfort zone is the big unknown.
What would he be like in a tight game, where Wales are ahead and it needs closing out by the outsidehalf? Wales have struggled in that aspect in the past and that’s the next step for him.
SCRUM-HALF
This is a tricky one. Gareth Davies or Tomos Williams? Williams played outstandingly well against the Springboks and Gareth did what he does well, being a dangerous attacker and a thorn in the side of the opposition. His kicking out of hand isn’t the best and a couple of his box-kicks weren’t very good but he revelled in the front-foot ball the Wales pack provided.
But I’d give Tomos another opportunity. Let’s see how he shapes up against the Pumas and how he works with Patchell.
FRONT ROW
Being a former prop, I take a particular interest in the front row and would keep the three who started in San Juan.
Rob Evans, Elliot Dee and Dillon Lewis all impressed in the loose and the Welsh scrum held up for about 50 minutes. What they mustn’t forget is their primary job is the scrum with the contribution they make in open play being a bonus.
LOCKS
Youngster Adam Beard took his chance at lock and was a real nuisance at the breakdown. There’s the experience of Bradley Davies in the background but I’d stick with Beard.
He worked well with Cory Hill, who led from the front in his first match as captain and hardly ever seems to put a foot wrong.
BACK ROW
Now it gets really interesting! What to do with the back row? Ross Moriarty didn’t stop working and is the only specialist No.8 so I wouldn’t leave him out.
James Davies doesn’t deserve to be dropped from openside and was my man of the match against Argentina but, there again, Ellis Jenkins delivered a devastating display against South Africa.
Seb Davies is a lock Gatland is trying to make into a blindside flanker but it’s early days. I would like to see Ellis come in for him with James remaining at No.7.
That type of combination worked in the 2017 Six Nations with Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton and I believe James and Ellis can also bounce off each other.
Part of the problem Argentina and their big back row had against Wales was the superior speed of James to the breakdown. He was getting to it first to slow their possession down or pilfer it.
Add Ellis to the back row and the mix becomes even more potent with Wales having two players who can work as a tag team to frustrate and stifle the Pumas.
Who would I have as captain? Ellis or Cory? Ellis got the nod against South Africa but it’s Cory for me in Santa Fe because, in the run-up to the World Cup, I think he’s the more established player and likely starter.
Can Wales end their tour unbeaten? I think so ... if Gatland gets his selection right it could be another comfortable win.
GRAHAM Price’s team for the second Test with Argentina: Amos; Adams, S Williams, Parkes, North; Patchell, T Williams; Evans, Dee, Lewis, Beard, Hill (capt), Jenkins, Davies, Moriarty.
Graham Price’s column is a regular fixture in Wales on Sunday, but due to Wales tour kick-off times, he’ll be appearing in Monday’s newspapers this summer.