After the recent squad announcement by head coach Warren Gatland for the upcoming Six Nations, there are a number of players in Wales feeling overlooked and disappointed. The announcement of the national squad is a mix of joy for those selected and a sense of dejection for those left out. Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas dives into the stories of some of the unluckiest players who narrowly missed out on a spot in Gatland’s final squad.
Max Llewellyn, a 26-year-old centre in stellar form for Gloucester, was a surprise omission from the squad despite being the joint-top try scorer in the Gallagher Premiership this season. While Llewellyn showcased his skills in Gloucester’s recent victory over the Scarlets, it seems playing outside of Wales may have worked against him in selection considerations.
Olly Cracknell, a 30-year-old backrower impressing in the English Premiership, was described as “a revelation” by former England lock Ben Kay. Cracknell’s physicality and work rate make him a strong contender, but the competitive nature of his position and playing abroad may have played roles in his exclusion from the squad.
Cameron Winnett, who made his Wales debut a year ago, faced a surprising exclusion from the squad despite consistent performances at full-back. His absence may be due to increased options in the back-three, causing him to miss out on this occasion.
Taine Plumtree, a promising addition to Welsh rugby, has shown potential but currently struggles with a high error rate and penalties given away. While he possesses the required skills, Plumtree might need time to refine his game for Test rugby.
Rio Dyer, a Dragons wing with past international experience, has seen a dip in form recently, potentially impacting his selection chances. Despite his attributes as a finisher, Dyer may need to regain momentum to secure a return to the national squad.
Gareth Anscombe, a veteran playmaker at 33, was another surprising omission given Wales’ limited options at fly-half. With an eye on developing young talent, the exclusion of Anscombe raises questions about the squad’s depth in key areas.
Overall, the final squad selection reflects Gatland’s strategy to balance experience and emerging talent, leading to tough decisions for some players. While disappointment lingers for those left out, the door remains open for future opportunities as the Six Nations approaches.
In the dynamic world of rugby, unexpected twists and turns are common, and the resilience of these overlooked players may well lead to a resurgence in their careers. As the Six Nations draws near, the Welsh squad faces challenges and opportunities, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.
This article highlights the complexities of squad selection in top-level rugby, where individual performances, team dynamics, and strategic considerations all play a crucial role in shaping the final lineup. The journey doesn’t end here for the unluckiest players in Wales; their stories continue to unfold, offering both setbacks and possibilities in their rugby careers.