IN... AND OUT...
Every big decision analysed as Gatland names his 31 World Cup players:
WARREN Gatland has omitted Grand Slam-winning prop Rob Evans from his World Cup squad and chosen Rhys Patchell as his back-up 10 ahead of Cardiff Blues youngster Jarrod Evans.
Gatland sprang a surprise when naming his 31-man party yesterday by leaving out his first-choice loosehead during the recent Grand Slam march, as well as the experienced Samson Lee.
He gives a call-up to Saracensbound rookie Rhys Carre, who made his debut against Ireland at the weekend, while there is also a place in the back-row for Scarlets openside James Davies.
The headline act behind the scrum sees Patchell chosen as fly-half backup
to Dan Biggar, following his excellent performance when coming on as a replacement against the Irish.
Gatland also had two other big calls to make in the backs. Owen Watkin gets the nod at centre ahead of Scott Williams, while Hallam Amos is chosen in the back three instead of youngster Owen Lane who marked his debut with a try against Ireland.
There are 18 forwards and 13 backs, with the surprise omission of Evans the biggest talking point.
He featured regularly as first choice during the recent march to the Grand Slam, starting four of the games, but has been injured and only made his comeback on Saturday.
Evans has 35 Wales caps and was widely expected to travel to the World Cup in Japan, while tighthead Lee, who has also been left out, has 38 internationals behind him.
But Gatland has opted for less experienced props in his party, with Nicky Smith, Wyn Jones, Carre and Dillon Lewis joining Tomas Francis in the chosen five.
Indications are that Jones and Carre have each been tried at tighthead in training, their versatility meaning they could cover either side of the scrum.
However, deciding not to take Evans, who played well during the Grand Slam, will still raise eyebrows.
The fact Gatland has selected five props, instead of the expected six, enables him to choose an extra backrower. That means James Davies will be on the plane, as back up to Justin Tipuric.
Cory Hill is also picked at lock, despite doubts about his fitness.
The lock has been included in the squad despite suffering a minor fracture to his leg.
Speaking about the decision to leave Evans and Lee behind, Gatland said it was to do with ‘durability’ ahead of a tough tournament.
“When we decided to go with the five props, one of the big discussion points was how durable they are,” he said.
“Rob hasn’t trained a lot in the lead up to the warm-up matches. He came in with a shoulder injury, then he’s picked a neck injury and a couple of back issues. Rob hadn’t played a lot.
“Samson has missed a few campaigns, had a hamstring issue during the campaign.
“We looked at the durability of the props coming in.”
Gatland said that Scarlets loosehead Wyn Jones would act as cover for tight-head.
He added: “Selection is always the toughest part of the job and that is especially true come RWC time.
“We are really happy with the final 31, we feel there is an excellent blend to the squad, in terms of talent, experience and age profile and we are all incredibly excited about heading to Japan and what is ahead.” The verdict on the Wales squad, plus Gatland Q&A: Sport Pullout