Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word,’ which shines a light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know the importance of analyzing the facts of messaging. .
At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans from our reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe that quality journalism should be available to everyone, and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes a difference.
Good news for Warren Gatland is it his Six Nations the naming of the squad was nothing like as frantic or agitated as last year’s unveiling. Then, as you may recall, Wales the head coach appeared to confront reporters still dusting off the debris after the bomb fell, Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL news reaching Gatland just minutes before the announcement of the selection in which the wing was to be included.
It was a moment that set the tone for a a disastrous, damaging year for Welsh rugbyone that was characterized by failure from top to bottom. In management and in performance, Wales have separated themselves from the others in their inadequacy – which some consider a constant mess across the Severn. A run of 12 consecutive Test defeats did not lead to Gatland’s sacking, perhaps in part because sheer scale of the problem elsewhere – a fresh lick of paint won’t dramatically improve a house with significant structural problems.
It would be perfectly fair for Gatland to assume that after his terrible yearthings can only get better. Alas, this is Welsh rugby. It may have lacked the drama and audacity of Rees-Zammit’s departure, but the news of Sam Costelow’s broken collarbone was an equally painful blow coming shortly before his Six Nations 2025 squad was named. Also factor in injuries to captain and star Dewi Lake, linebacker Adam Beard and all-around Mason Grady – the suffering continues.
Costelow’s injury rather shines a light on a team that looks more balanced than the headless units that were named last year. Gatland sought patience amid adversity as he tried to turn over a new leaf, bringing in what he saw as a promising crop, willing to accept short-term pain in exchange for long-term gain.
With Taulupe Pallets, Liam Williams and Josh Adams everyone back among things in the 34-man squadthe situation looks better. Not only on the field will the three Test British and Irish Lions strengthen the ranks, but also off it, for a team so lacking in confidence and composure during the chaos of 2024.
Yet even with the returnees, there is an element of muddled thinking in Gatland’s selection. Just months after he was recalled to the side at the expense of Costelow to lead Wales through the autumn, Gareth Anscombe now fully reveals the image even after the accident of his fellow playmaker. That leaves options such as Ben Thomas, a natural inside center who filled Australia’s summer schedule last year, and Ospreys uncapped Dan Edwards, who is doing well in the United Rugby Championship (URC) – neither has made the Six Nations appearance.
“We talked about 10 positions to develop some depth, short-term and long-term,” Gatland explained Anscombe’s omission. “[It’s about] gaining some experience in the position.
“He’s 33 now and he’ll be 36 by the next World Cup. Will he be there? We need to develop some depth. Someone like [Dan Edwards] gets a chance to file a claim. We are impressed with how he controls the games. His shooting game has improved. This is probably the first time in a while that we have some dilemmas about the election.”
It makes sense, perhaps, for Wales to continue to look to the future, but that prompts the return of the equally aging Faletau and Williams. Even Gatland admitted on Monday that his job could be unsustainable if results don’t improve; then why wouldn’t you want Anscombe to be a constant presence in such circumstances?
Taking his comments about the youth movement at face value, it is equally unusual that Max Llewellyn and Cameron Winnett – who started the autumn outside Anscombe aged 13 and 15 respectively – were also left out despite solid domestic form. An injury to Lake, one of the few on the team who would do that they are currently looking for the right candidacy of the Lionsmeanwhile, he is demanding an impeachment for Sam Parry, who has left Wales national team before the tour of Australia last summer feeling disrespected. With a small number of players, burned bridges must be rebuilt quickly.
At least the Welsh have a head coach at the moment – unlike their wives as they enter the World Cup year. News of Gatland’s staff overhaul appears to be on the way ahead of the trip to Paris on the opening night of the tournament. For a side lacking power and punch, France are about as daunting a first task as Wales could get.
“We know it’s about performances and results,” said the head coach. “Those first two games are really important for us. That game in Paris will be difficult, then it’s the Italy game. It’s probably not a bad thing to play France in the first place. They usually take a while to get into the Six Nations.
“It’s about momentum. You get good results and you never know what can happen in this tournament. I am quite aware of the situation we are in as a group of coaches. We have to come out and work hard to show improvement and do well.”
Wales’ 34-man Six Nations squad:
Strikers: Elliott Dee, Sam Parry, Evan Lloyd; Nicky Smith, Kemsley Mathias, Gareth Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, WillGriff John, Henry Thomas; Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Teddy Williams; Jac Morgan (captain), James Botham, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taulupe Faletau.
back: Tomos Williams, Rhodri Williams, Ellis Bevan; Ben Thomas, Dan Edwards; Eddie James, Joe Roberts, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin; Liam Williams, Josh Adams, Josh Hathaway, Tom Rogers, Blair Murray, Ellis Mee.