Gareth ready to prove he’s no fly by night
IT IS a little over four years since Gareth Anscombe made a life-changing decision.
The New Zealandborn fly-half was carving out a fine career in his homeland but realising the All Blacks might be a step too far he opted to relocate 12,000 miles away.
Anscombe qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother and has gone on to win 18 caps. His quality has never been questioned, but his best position has. The 27-year-old is equally comfortable at fly-half and full-back, often to his detriment.
This afternoon he will take on Scotland at Principality Stadium in his favoured No10 role.
It will be only the fourth time he has started at fly-half for Wales. “Wales have a pretty famous history at fly-half,” said Anscombe. “No 10s
seem to get a little extra attention.
“Rightly or wrongly you can come in for a bit of criticism and when things are going well you can often get more credit than you deserve.
"It is part of the position and most No10s understand that.
"This is my chance to be my own man. Wales are pretty blessed with No10s at the moment, I get frist dibs and I'm just looking forward to ripping into it this weekend.” Anscombe has had to play second fiddle to Dan Biggar at fly-half but with this game falling outside World Rugby’s Test window Warren Gatland’s Englandbased players – Biggar included – are absent.
His fellow playmaker Rhys Patchell is also absent as he recovers from concussion.
That means the shirt goes to Anscombe, but in truth the Cardiff Blue is the form player of the three. And he will be surrounded by eight Lions.
Gatland also includes former Wales Sevens star Luke Morgan on the wing for his Test debut.
“Anyone who says they’re not thinking about the World Cup is lying,” said Anscombe, who has earned praise from Gatland this week.
“Would I like to play one position and get more minutes there? Yes. But I’m comfortable