JUSTIN TIPURIC
He has to make it happen. IF Tipuric is at his best then it will take something very special to surpass him at openside in Wales, especially in a post-Sam Warburton era.
But last season he didn’t quite achieve the consistent brilliance that had been his hallmark since breaking through at the Ospreys.
As so often is the case in these matters, injuries didn’t help.
But the man from Trebanos might have been a shade jaded, too.
Listen to Ospreys coach Allen Clarke, talking recently: “Last term, Justin came off two years with no break — playing for the Lions in 2017, going way with the sevens, Ospreys games.
“Everyone needs a break in life. “These guys are prize racehorses. “If you flog them every day, year on year, you are not going to see the best of them on a consistent basis.”
Clarke did go out of his way to stress: “To say Justin’s a wonderful rugby player actually belittles how good he can be. He is capable of being an X-factor player at a worldclass level.”
But it is clear he hopes Tipuric can return to his peak after a summer that that has seen him enjoy a proper break and a full pre-season.
The likelihood is Sam Warburton’s enforced retirement as a player will increase his chances of a pre-eminent role in Gatland’s plans. His vast experience should count for a lot. At least that’s the thinking.
But the fact is Gatland has used him as a sub for 30 of his 57 games for Wales and Josh Navidi kept him out of the No. 7 jersey during the 2018 Six Nations, while Ellis Jenkins and James Davies could not have done much more on the recent tour.
None of which would impress pretty much every Ospreys fan, many of whom would argue that a fit-and-firing Tipuric should start at No. 7 for Wales in every game. But Gatland’s selection record with him over the years guarantees nothing.
This really should be his time, with Warburton having packed in.
But the script is rarely that simple when Gatland is involved.
Like Williams and Lydiate, Tipuric needs to counter the young bucks who are challenging him with a burst of the best he can offer.
Some have said that would be good enough to land him a place in the All Blacks side.
It is up to Tipuric to play as he can. It should be enough – of course it should.
Shouldn’t it?