Considering unexpected withdrawals, Warren Gatland is now set to select this lineup for Wales' France Rugby World Cup opening versus Fiji. Warren Gatland is already deciding which team to support in the fight against Fiji. Rugby supporters can book France Rugby World Cup Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
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Warren Gatland will begin considering the lineup. He might use it at the Stade de Bordeaux as the Rugby World Cup 2023 opener between Wales and Fiji is only three months away. The unexpected absences of several players, notably Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, and Cory Hill, have stunned the Wales team in recent weeks.
Impact of star’s vacate
Because of their absence, other players now have a chance to start Wales' Rugby World Cup season in France. There a few of those competitors would have been good candidates. We examine the initial XV Gatland might choose to face a formidable Fiji team. Even though there are still three warm-up Tests versus South Africa and twice against England to play.
Liam Williams
The Cardiff full-back didn't have the best Six Nations season. As he was benched for Wales' match against England due to subpar performance in Scotland. Williams has had a string of injuries throughout the past 18 months. It has hurt his form. But at his best, he is Gatland's finest option.
The 32-year-old is unafraid of the high ball. He is still among the game's most dangerous counter attackers. Williams could play on the wing with Leigh Halfpenny at full-back. Because of his stability and skill with the goal. But at 34, has the former Scarlets player's father time finally caught up with him?
Louis Rees-Zammit, Josh Adams, or Gareth Anscombe might also play full-back as a backup option. But Williams will likely start the France Rugby World Cup 2023 as the first choice.
Louis Rees-Zammit
Another player who endured a rocky Six Nations was the Gloucester wing. Although, at his best, he is one of the game's most lethal finishers. Fans refer to him as “Rees-lightning” for a good cause. In addition to his lightning-quick speed that can wreak havoc on the world's meanest defences. He is also a strong defender and possesses rugby brains.
The stature of Alex Cuthbert on the wing or even the hot-shot Rio Dyer for the Dragons may be chosen by Gatland. But that would be a huge surprise. Rees-Zammit is one of just a few players from Wales who can match Fiji's pace and ability. It makes him a very likely selection. You can buy your Rugby World Cup Semi Finals Tickets.
George North
The 117-cap international is undoubtedly an asset due to his experience. He also benefits from his size. Although he was in and out of the team during the current Six Nations. His abilities may have diminished in recent seasons. The numerous injuries he has sustained have not helped. His current performance does not necessarily warrant automatic selection.
But the absence of seasoned midfield options saves the north Walian. Gatland could choose a young player like Mason Grady. He showed potential during the Six Nations or the in-form, uncapped scarlet midfielder Joe Roberts. But doing so would be risky. North's experience might just win him the job here. But if Wales' attack is to succeed. He'll need to step it up.
Johnny Williams
Picking Nick Tompkins is the obvious decision. He has been a mainstay of the Wales team during this Rugby World Cup cycle. But I have a sense Gatland will select Johnny Williams, a star for the Scarlets. Since Wayne Pivac initially introduced Williams to the Wales set-up three years ago. Williams' major issue has been his inability to maintain sustained physical fitness.
Gatland, however, has frequently shown interest in the 26-year-old centre type. Williams has stature on his side. He can undoubtedly help Wales cross the goal line due to his excellent footwork and offloading skills.
The size will be important when playing against the quick-thinking Fijians. They may well select a strong midfield pairing of Semi Radradra and Seta Tamanivalu. Wales' top choices at the moment are Williams and North. You can buy your Rugby World Cup Final Tickets.
Dewi Lake
Undoubtedly, Wales legend Ken Owens is still playing. The Scarlets hooker is doing well from a personal standpoint during a poor Six Nations campaign. It's not an exaggeration to suggest that Lake, is an Ospreys monster. He has the potential to become one of the top hookers in the world. Lake was absent at the time due to an injury. But he is back now.
He resembles Malcolm Marx, the South African who won the Rugby World Cup. Both are powerful ball carriers who are freakishly adept in the breakdown for hookers. Lake has to improve on his throwing in lineouts. But Wales could use his physicality and dynamism overall against a strong Fiji team.
Dan Biggar
Some people will want Wales to loosen up in France Rugby World Cup by playing fast and loose. But this would be an extremely bad strategy versus the Pacific Islanders. The Fijian team will want to play quickly. So, Wales may be hoping for wind and rain to slow them down. Wales abandoned their original strategy in 2007 and subsequently gave Fiji the upper hand.
In this match, Gatland's team must play shrewdly by kicking for territory and taking their time in the assault.
Gareth Davies
Given that Davies was left off of both the squad in the fall and the Six Nations team. This choice will undoubtedly raise some eyebrows. Emlyn, a 32-year-old from Newcastle. He had a resurgence in the second half of the season. Despite his admission that his form wasn't good enough to warrant selection.
Given his superior kicking ability and smooth passing, Davies' Scarlets teammate Kieran Hardy is also a strong contender to start. But Davies' experience might give him the edge.
Nicky Smith
Why the Ospreys player hasn't received more attention at the Test level over the past couple of seasons? He has been one of Welsh rugby's biggest mysteries. Smith showed exceptional play For the Ospreys. The 29-year-old is one of the United Rugby Championship's most damaging scrummagers.
This season, players like previous All Blacks tighthead Karl Tu'inukuafe, France international Mohamed Haouas, seasoned England and Lions player Dan Cole, and Michael Ala'alatoa have all attempted to outmuscle the Ospreys man at the scrum. But they have all been evicted. Smith is a dynamic carrier throughout the field and is also extremely good at the breakdown. He merits approval.
Josh Adams
The Cardiff wing struggled throughout the Six Nations. But it would be fairly unexpected if he didn't represent his country as a first-choice player at the Rugby World Cup 2023. Adams' defensive and aerial skills are excellent. He has an admirable work ethic when he is at his best. He has competition from Cuthbert and Dyer for the starting job.
Although, Gatland has Williams on the flank and Halfpenny at full-back as other options. Jiuta Wainiqolo, a sensational try-scorer for Toulon, Josua Tuisova, and former Bristol star Radradra are options for head coach Simon Raiwalui's back three in Fiji. For this one, a back three consisting of Williams, Rees-Zammit, and Adams is the best option.
Tomas Francis
Francis may not have played as well as in recent years. But given that Fiji's scrum is their weak point. This will work to the Ospreys player's advantage. For the past eight years, the 31-year-old has served as the hub of the Wales line. He is a dependable scrummager. Gatland might choose Dillon Lewis.
He offers a lot more throughout the field, particularly at the breakdown. Despite not being a particularly powerful scrummager. We chose Francis because of his expertise rather than Henry Thomas. He is a former England international and an excellent scrummager. He has excelled in both the French Top 14 and the English Premiership.
Will Rowlands
The 23-cap international will start this Test and every other Test at the Rugby World Cup. Assuming he doesn't have an injury in the warm-up matches that disqualifies him. Since earning his first cap three years ago. The lock who will play for Racing 92 has surprised Wales. He is a guy they simply cannot do without him.
Rowlands is a strong ball carrier, a skilled lineout forward, and at home in both narrow and wide channels. In this case, Wales' best bet is Beard and Rowlands.
Adam Beard
Jake Ball, is a former Scarlets lock who is currently playing in Japan for Green Rockets Tokatsu. He may receive an SOS from Gatland. Ball isn't currently a member of Gatland's extended training group. Thus, Adam Beard is the front-runner to make the starting XV. Although Beard, is an Ospreys player.
He has his detractors chiefly those who claim he doesn't carry enough. There aren't many players who can replace the 27-year-old. Beard is one of the best in the sport at stopping attacking drive mauls and contributes significant weight to the scrum.
Jac Morgan
For this Test, I believe Gatland will seriously think about bringing back Dan Lydiate. Assuming he is healthy, to fend off the onslaught of Fijian attacks that are sure to come their way. However, since Morgan is only 23 years old. He has more tricks up for grabs. His young excitement may be the wisest course of action.
Many people predict that Morgan will lead Wales in the future. He may become a British & Irish Lions star in the future. The Ospreys player doesn't have many weaknesses. Morgan is an outstanding leader, a dynamic carrier, and a fierce defender. He also excels at the breakdown.
The Aaron Wainwright is another option. But Gatland might find that he is more effective as a substitute. Morgan might be one of the Rugby World Cup's biggest stars. If Wales as a team doesn't collapse.
Taulupe Faletau
The simplest choice out of all of them. For the Test game in Bordeaux, Faletau's name is undoubtedly already listed in the Gatland starting XV. Alongside players like Ardie Savea, Caelan Doris, Gregory Alldritt, and Duane Vermeulen. The 32-year-old is one of the top No 8s in the world of field. Wales will need Faletau to be healthy and on fire if they want to succeed at France Rugby World Cup 2023.
Tommy Reffell
Reffell is more than capable of filling the absence created at openside flanker by the unexpected departure of Tipuric a few weeks ago. Reffell and Morgan will occasionally face off for the number seven jersey. But Gatland may choose to start two opensides versus Fiji to counteract the threat of La Rochelle prodigy Levani Botia.
With the Leicester Tigers player consistently standing out in the Gallagher Premiership. It is not an exaggeration to call the Pencoed man one of the top performers of breakdown play in the Northern Hemisphere. The 24-year-old is tenacious in defence. He was outstanding during the team's trip to South Africa last summer.
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