WALES

After a good summer, Wales look settled and in good shape. I imagine Warren Gatland will take a lot from the extra game against Scotland at the start of the window because, tactically, he will want to re-establish how Wales were playing during the Six Nations and in June.

There will be some intriguing selection calls across the “middle five” – the back row and halfbacks – and they will need stability there. Even with their strength in depth, they will be stretched with Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Shingler and Josh Navidi injured.

Dan Lydiate has impressed me and I think Justin Tipuric is underrated. Him getting some decent game time over the autumn could prove crucial. It seems Wales are also considering playing Cory Hill at six, as well as in the second row. It would certainly give them a significant line-out presence. One other interesting name in the squad is Jonah Holmes. My old mate Dick Best recommended him to us at Yorkshire after he had been playing at scrum-half for Henley while on Wasps’ books. I think it was Jonah’s choice to move to the back three and it suits him. I was always

impressed by his ability to beat the first man and remember him beating four Bristol defenders in the narrowest of channels to score a try.

If Wales can break their 13-match losing sequence against Australia, that will provide a boost. Remember in 2003 how England beat Ireland in Dublin for the Grand Slam and then went down to the southern hemisphere and won in Australia and New Zealand? They peaked for the World Cup. Momentum does matter.

I would also like to send best wishes to Warren, who lost his father this week. Our thoughts are with you, Gats.