Western Mail

Missing from the action... but what chance do these Wales squad members have of heading to Japan?

- ANDY HOWELL Rugby correspond­ent andy.howell@walesonlin­e.co.uk

WALES coach Warren Gatland is due to reveal the names of the 31 players who will bid for glory at the World Cup when he announces his squad on September 1.

The number of candidates has been reduced to 40 following the loss of Taulupe Faletau and Gareth Anscombe to injury.

Nine will be chopped from those currently taking part in a hot weather training camp in Turkey.

And there’s just one match remaining, against Ireland in Cardiff a week on Saturday, for players to harden their case before D-day.

We put the spotlight on the 14 players who we haven’t actually seen yet during the back-to-back clashes with England and rates their chances of making the cut.

LEON BROWN

The 22-year-old Dragons prop forward missed much of last season through injuries and is fourth in the pecking order at tight-head prop.

But it’s a rare problem position for Wales, with Tomas Francis having had a tough time against England and Samson Lee seemingly cursed by hamstring problems.

Chances of making World Cup?

If injury continues to rule out Lee, Brown may get a lifeline by sneaking into the squad as third tight-head behind Francis and Dillon Lewis.

RHYS CARRE

Wales are a bit light on forward ball-carriers and Carre, 21, fits that bill although there are question-marks over his scrummagin­g at this stage of his career.

But he’s got huge potential, which is why European and English club champions Saracens have recruited him for next season.

Chances of making World Cup?

Carre can’t be completely ruled out as a bolter because he brings something different and Gatland would pick him if he thought he was ready.

BRADLEY DAVIES

A multitude of injuries over the last few years have played havoc with the prospects of the popular lock forward bruiser, who captained Wales in Japan in 2013.

But he’s hugely experience­d and has appeared 10 times at the World Cup, during the surge to a fourth place finish in 2011 and started during the unforgetta­ble 28-25 victory over bumbling hosts England at Twickenham four years ago.

Chances of making World Cup?

Extremely slim and reliant on injuries ruling out one or two of his rivals for a place.

RYAN ELIAS

The hooking berth is virtually set in stone with Ken Owens being Gatland’s starter and Elliot Dee coming off the bench.

Elias is likely to get game-time against Ireland but needs to impress to have any hope of moving up the pecking order.

Chances of making World Cup?

Assuming Wales take three hookers, and you would expect them to because it’s such a specialist position, Elias will be on the aeroplane.

ROB EVANS

Wales’ leading loose-head hasn’t been risked so far during the warm-ups because of shoulder and neck problems.

But he’s in credit in Gatland’s bank and is a key player when on top form with his scrummagin­g, mobility, skill, vision and carrying.

Chances of making World Cup?

A certainty to travel if fit, which the Wales management are adamant he will be.

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