Anscombe focus on Blues, but still has eyes on No.10
A member of Blue Watch isn’t needed to confirm Gareth Anscombe has yet to catch fire since his arrival in Wales, but the New Zealand-born player remains seriously up for the challenge of contesting the national No. 10 position with in-form Ospreys Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.
The Cardiff Blues man is set to make his return to rugby tomorrow when his region host Bristol in the European Challenge Cup. He has been out of action since the November Tests with a groin problem.
His immediate priority will be to regain match fitness, but he isn’t daunted by having to battle it out with two players at Test level who have been outstanding for their region in recent weeks, spurring them to the top of the Guinness Pro12 and into the Challenge Cup quarter finals.
“It’s good for the country and good for the No.10s themselves that there is serious competition,” said Anscombe.
“Every region has at least one good player in that position.
“My focus is on the Blues and getting back with them in the short term, but every time you get a game at Test level it is a chance and you do your best to take it.
“The other 10s in the Wales setup have been playing well, but every professional player will tell you the key is to focus on yourself. “I see my future as a 10. “I am more than happy to play No.15 or anywhere else for Wales, but I think my strengths are more suited to the 10 position and that’s where I would like to challenge.”
Arguably Anscombe’s best performance since his arrival in Wales came against the Scarlets in Llanelli last season. The New Zealandborn player posed a devastating attacking threat that day, seemingly thinking a split-second quicker than everyone else on the field and having the skill to exploit gaps that appeared in the home defence.
But injuries have hampered him and he found it hard to stamp his authority on a dismal Welsh team effort against Japan in November, the first time he has started a Test at fly-half since his debut in the summer of 2015.
He was asked if it was fair to say Welsh rugby hadn’t seen the best of him. “I guess that’s fair,” he said.
“I have not had too many chances with Wales at 10. I am not complaining because there are some very good players for competition, but Wales are developing their game and it will be up to me to take whatever opportunities come along.”
Ireland and England are being seen as the sides to beat in the coming Six Nations, with the pair impressing last autumn. Scotland and France also had their moments and so — heaven forbid — did Italy, who defeated South Africa.
Wales won three games for their best November return in 14 years but were widely criticised for the quality of their performances.
“I just think it is going to be a really exciting Six Nations,” said Anscombe.
“Ireland took a Test off New Zealand and were on fire during the autumn, while England also looked strong and everyone else had positives to cling onto.
“Every side is capable of knocking each other over at home.
“Bonus points are going to make it interesting, people will want to impress in a Lions year and all teams will be looking for a good start.”
“We open in Italy, a fixture that we might have been licking our lips over in the past but not anymore. England in the next round will be difficult as they are being seen as favourites to win the competition outright, but, like I said, no game is easy.”
Anscombe has been in Wales for more than two years after his move in 2014. How has he settled?
“It was a tough transition,” he said.
“But the boys at the Blues are great and I love being part of the Wales set-up.
“Injuries haven’t helped, but that’s just the way it is for a professional player.
“My goal in the short term is just to get back on the field.”
Gareth Anscombe was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, Principal Partner of Cardiff Blues. Land Rover continues to champion grassroots rugby. @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal