Gatland Summons Coaches for Final Meeting Ahead of Six Nations Squad Announcement
In a crucial step towards finalizing their Six Nations squad, Wales’ coaching staff have been summoned for a final meeting by head coach Warren Gatland. The team has spent the weekend carefully assessing performances in Europe, with Gatland himself attending the Anglo-Welsh clash between the Scarlets and Gloucester at Kingsholm on Friday night. Neil Jenkins was also keeping a close eye on proceedings as he watched the Ospreys defeat Newcastle in Swansea on Saturday.
The pressure is on Gatland after Wales had a winless 2024, with expectations high for a successful campaign this year. Injuries have added to the challenges, with players like Taulupe Faletau, Corey Domachowski, and Regan Grace facing setbacks. Fly-half Gareth Anscombe and Sam Costelow are also dealing with injury concerns, putting their availability in question.
Despite the uncertainties, the performance of Ospreys’ fly-half Dan Edwards has been a bright spot. Edwards, who was invited to train with the Wales squad in the autumn, showcased his skills in the Ospreys’ victory over Newcastle. His standout performance may well earn him a spot in the Six Nations squad, regardless of other players’ fitness.
However, Edwards remains focused on his current team, stating, “I’m concentrating on putting in good performances for the Ospreys and making sure we get the results.” Ospreys head coach Mark Jones praised Edwards and the team’s overall performance, highlighting the players’ dedication and skill on the field.
In a separate development, English club Exeter Chiefs faced a tough defeat against Bordeaux-Begles in the Investec Champions Cup. The 69-17 loss marked Exeter’s heaviest Champions Cup defeat, raising concerns about the team’s performance. Head coach Rob Baxter acknowledged the challenges his team is facing and emphasized the need to work on foundational aspects of their gameplay.
Exeter’s struggles have put their Champions Cup prospects in jeopardy, with a landslide bonus-point win required in their final pool fixture against Ulster. Baxter acknowledged the need for improvement and a collective effort to address the team’s shortcomings. Despite the setbacks, he remained focused on moving forward and regrouping for future challenges.
Bordeaux-Begles’ dominant performance, with 11 tries scored against Exeter, highlighted the French team’s prowess and Exeter’s defensive vulnerabilities. The match served as a wake-up call for Exeter, underscoring the importance of shoring up their set-piece, defensive structures, and overall team cohesion.
As the Six Nations squad announcement approaches, Wales’ coaching staff, led by Gatland, face critical decisions to shape the team for the upcoming tournament. With injuries and form to consider, the final squad selection will be a pivotal moment for Wales as they aim to turn their fortunes around in the Six Nations. Stay tuned for Monday’s official squad announcement to see who will represent Wales in this highly anticipated competition.