Gatland’s key Wales issues for Six Nations squad

Before naming his Six Nations team on Monday, Warren Gatland is considering a number of important issues.

His coaching staff in Wales has been applying the rule to candidates from Kingsholm on Friday night to Swansea on Saturday and Newport on Sunday.

Ospreys were the only team to succeed in qualifying for the European Challenge Cup’s knockout stages, becoming the first region to do so.

But who entered or lost the game, and what difficulties does the head coach of Wales face before selection?

“Sam is a tough boy and doesn’t usually come off unless it’s something bad”, he said.

Gareth Anscombe now looks odds-on to start in Paris.

But could Ben Thomas’ return as a result of Costelow’s departure from his summer tour to Australia, or could it open the door for Dan Edwards, a former under-20s star?

“He’s had back-to-back man of the match performances and is a great young player who can really add something to the Wales squad”, said ex-Wales star James Hook of Edwards, 21.

Jarrod Evans, who hasn’t played test rugby since 2021, is eligible despite having not won a spot with Harlequins.

Finally, some encouraging injury news, with the uncommon sight of a healthy and fit Wales hooker.

Elliot Dee’s timely return from a lengthy ankle problem will be welcomed by Gatland, who is without Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias, Liam Belcher and Efan Daniel.

“It was great to see him out there. He has the mentality to play at this and the next level, according to Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia.

The most obvious choice on paper will be Sam Parry, who scored a try for Ospreys on Saturday, if he can get over his differences with Gatland after leaving the Wales camp last summer.

“Parry is a great set-piece hooker and whatever has gone on between them, they’ve got put it aside for the best of the team, especially given the injuries”, said Hook.

Elias may yet be picked, for the latter stages of the tournament, as well as Cardiff’s Evan Lloyd, despite his wayward throwing in Perpignan.

Another tight-head, Henry Thomas and Keiron Assiratti, worries Gatland.

The last Six Nations was marked by the lack of experience, but now Gatland could have nearly 300 caps-worth of knowhow in his ranks with Liam Williams, Taulupe Faletau, Josh Adams and Gareth Anscombe.

The quartet, who have won numerous titles and British and Irish Lions tours together, could help them win tight games.

However, all four have niggles and will need managing through the campaign.

His ball-carrying and physicality are very strong, and he’s also calling the lineouts, according to Gloucester head coach George Skivington.

“For a big man, he finds those link plays really well and we’ve felt for a long time he’s a real contender. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t make the Welsh team”.

Gatland’s Six Nations squad could be made up of players from nations other than Wales.

That includes Gloucester’s contingent, which includes half-back pairing Anscombe and Tomos Williams, first-choice locks Will Rowlands (Racing 92) and Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs).

Gloucester take on Tommy Reffell’s Leicester on Saturday, 25 January at the same time as Saracens visit Exeter.

Three days prior to those matches, Wales would have access to non-Wales-based players with little time to prepare for France.

“Anscombe and Williams are our first-choice half-backs, but you would also expect them to be involved in that game for Gloucester, as well as Max Llewellyn and Freddie Thomas”, added Hook.

Gatland could be tempted to bring a new hooker with Cardiff’s Dafydd Hughes, Dragons ‘ Brodie Coughlan and Exeter’s Jack Innard all in form.

Welsh-qualified teenager Kepu Tuipulotu, the brother of Wales women international Sisilia, has also made his Bath debut this season.

Could 21-year-old wing Ellis Mee get a look after just eight games at Scarlets because Cameron Winnett appears jaded and Blair Murray, Josh Adams, and Regan Grace all received knocks this week?

“We’ve got some potential superstars behind the scrum”, said Scarlets captain Josh Macleod.

Ellis is very exciting when you consider how someone first got started to where they are now.