The border raiders out to boost Wales chances
THE Six Nations Championship is almost upon us, but before Wayne Pivac’s men line up to face Italy on February 1 in their opener – a number of Wales players will be in action for their clubs in the Gallagher Premiership this weekend.
The Guinness PRO14 is taking a break this week, with only the two South African outfits playing. The Premiership games, on the other hand, remain in full flow.
The hope, naturally, will be that all of the internationals return unscathed from their exploits. Players who are on duty for their clubs will be missing only one Wales training session this week, as Pivac’s squad did not train on Thursday and aren’t due to this weekend.
So, which players could be wearing their club colours in England this weekend? What is for certain is that many of these players will all be looking to put in big performances ahead of Pivac’s first Six Nations team selection.
The full teams are due to be announced this afternoon...
WillGriff John
BUOYED by his first international call-up, the Sale Sharks tighthead is back with his club and faces the unenviable task of fronting up against the Exeter Chiefs pack at their Sandy Park fortress.
Although it’s a club game, it will feel like an international Test at scrum time.
Exeter have built their success on the foundations set by the forwards which is why the table-toppers should provide a good test for John, who is vying for his first Test cap.
Louis Rees-Zammit and Owen Williams
BOTH players were due to link back up with Gloucester on Thursday as they prepare to face Bristol.
Perhaps something of a surprise selection by Wayne Pivac, Williams has been picked to provide an option at both outside half and inside centre.
It is likely Williams will be operating in the centre channel on Saturday. Last season’s Premiership player of the season will be pulling the strings for the Cherry & Whites as they head down to Ashton Gate to take on the Bristol Bears.
As for Rees-Zammit, he will be looking to prove his match fitness after taking an ankle knock last time out against Toulouse.
Doctors’ orders could determine whether he plays a full 80 minutes or stretches his legs in a short and sharp appearance.
Wales fans will have a watchful on him eye as the starlet has threatened to be the spark that lights up this year’s Six Nations campaign.
Will Rowlands
THE towering Wasps second row forward will be making an appearance for the trip to Sixways as Dai Young’s side face Worcester, in an encounter between two teams in the bottom half of the table.
Just four points separate the sides and victory would have been huge for both teams in their bid to avoid the drop, but that need not be on their mind now after it was confirmed Saracens will be automatically relegated.
A strong performance could help Rowlands stake a claim for a starting berth for Wales.
Taulupe Faletau
WITH the Six Nations fast approaching and Faletau stricken by injuries in recent years, the Bath No. 8 was rested for the club’s two European games.
It is likely he will not be rested again this weekend as Stuart Hooper’s men hope to climb the league table.
He has returned to the club from Wales training and is in contention to play against Leicester Tigers on Saturday.
If selected, Welsh fans will be desperate to see Faletau come out unscathed at the final whistle having been denied the chance to see him operate in a red jersey for two years.
Nick Tompkins and Rhys Carre
WHILE Rhys Carre is suspended until February 3 for a red card offence while playing against the Ospreys, we could see quality operator Nick Tompkins in action this weekend for Saracens.
Fresh from the official news they will be playing in the Championship next year, Sarries head for a London derby against Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop.
Usually campaigning as an inside centre for Sarries, Tompkins could be trialled at 13 with Wales depleted in that position through injuries to Jonathan Davies and Owen Watkin.
Dan Biggar rested
THE fly-half was available for selection for Northampton Saints as they prepare to face London Irish to Franklin’s Gardens, but he has been given a welcome breather.
Biggar’s absence at Franklin’s Gardens over the next couple of months gives young deputy James Grayson a further chance to shine at Saints after some impressive showings when the Welshman was away on World Cup duty.