The Wales Squad For The 2024 Autumn Tests

[@jonathandavies1851]

Thank You .. Best wishes from Costa Rica

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷

[@tonycollins2708]

🤞we can grind a win or 2 , Thanks Christian , keep the faith 😘🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I’m hoping so Ton. Really praying 🙏🏼😂

[@cassandrasmith8576]

G’day from Australia….Welsh fan but 😂. I think the regions have improved thus far 🤞🏼🤞🏼plus some great performances from Welsh boys in the Gallagher comp (from the bits I’ve seen). This squad is probably the best Wales are able to field for the present (sorry to the boys who could have been picked but have missed out this time… but God’s delays are not his denials). Onwards and upward surely for a win against at least two of the three games. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

G’day Cassandra. I love the positive energy and I really do agree with everything you’ve said. With desperate for a win but would be amazing and I think there is a firepower within this squad to get those wins. I hope you get a chance to watch the games down under 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@cassandrasmith8576]

@ Won’t be missing a minute 🌞

[@rhysmorris5744]

I think the pack is the strongest its looked since the WC and with the potential of very experienced half back pairing plus choice of exciting options at 12 & 13, its a good squad. Just whether we can utilise them not shoehorn the talent we have into off positions like grady at 12 and thomas at 10 etc

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah totally agree with you Rhys. I’m hoping we can get some continuity and develop and better attack

[@xxwales15xx33]

Agree with you about the "same old thing" with Gatland again. He only goes with what he knows and is too afraid to throw caution into the wind

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah kind of feels that way doesn’t it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tim.jenkins75]

he's completely changed the team in the past 2 years.

[@xxwales15xx33]

@@tim.jenkins75 Forced to. He'd play Alun Wyn and Tipuric till they're dead 😂

[@pigeon-ur8tw]

I honestly disagree, we've gone through about 4 different players at 10, one of which very rarely plays at 10 at club level. We've seen grady at 12, where he doesn't usually play (and granted, he hasn't done well there). We've seen players that many people didn't even know existed, like archie griffin (who was class). And while there is no way of proving it, I do believe that gatland has told several veterans to retire when he decides that he'd rather look at younger alternatives (alun wyn jones is the only confirmed person to my knowledge, but I'd suspect it was a similar story for tipuric, north and davies). I'm not going to sit here and say he's a revolutionary coach and he's done everything right (I hate Grady at 12....), but it's not like Wales is full to the brim with talent across the board. Perhaps people like Morgan Morris and Nicky smith should've been given a look in by now, but he has definitely taken a few risks

[@davidpearn2484]

Thanks

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thank you David. You’re such a gent. Hope you’re keeping well 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@tim.jenkins75]

Been watching a bit more english premiership this year....max and thomas are killing it for Gloucester. I'm pretty sure they will start.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I hope so. I’ve seen a bit of Gloucester with all of the Welsh guys and Anscombe has looked sharp too so there a bit of hope there 👌🏼

[@westy8065]

Morning Christian, squad looks OK to me the front rowers look like they can compete and the back 5 forewards have a bit of bulk and few line out options available glad to see Rowlands back, so a lot will depend on Lakes arrows! The backs I think look promising with Tomos and Chicken at h/b, I'd go with Ben Thomas at inside centre with llewellyn or James outside him, any 2 of the wingers and Winnett at 15! All in all quite happy!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Morning to you too. Yeah, I agree. Agree with what you said. Lakes have been pretty good so far this season, so I’m hopeful there. I’ll be interested to see what he does with Ben Thomas because he said on scrum five that he thinks he’s the in form back in Wales at the moment so would be weird if he didn’t pick him? Maybe him at 12 and Llewelyn at 13?

[@westy8065]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Thomas has to play for me although I hope his defence holds up, the last couple of Cardiff games I've been too he doesnt seem 100% comfortable defending! Surprisingly neither does Winnett, hopefully gatts will sort that! Definitely Llewellyn or James at outside centre,, although I'm a bit surprised theres no Jonny Williams! I'd love a big crash ball 15 behind them!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, his defence hasn’t been the best of late. Not sure if that’s because he’s covering for Sheedy a but maybe? I just think Williams has been unreliable in the past and he just wants to build with the new guys I suppose though I would’ve had him instead of Tompkins

[@mrloudtrousers]

It sounded like Gats suggested in the press conference that Ben Thomas and Mason Grady could be returning to center/wing respectively. Have a read if you haven't seen it

[@StopTheRot]

That would be good news. Grady could be a good international winger if used effectively.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I still like him at 13. Get him into the game a bit more

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Christian, Good to see some familiar faces, Nicky Smith, Nick Tompkins, Gareth Anscome, Adam Beard. Good to see Dewi Lake as captain. Just have to see whats going to happen, we got to have one win out of the three games ( we normally play 4 games ). I don't feel negative of the summer tour of Australia losing by 10 points on both games and beating the Reds. Being honest looking forward but nervous. Good to catch your thoughts on the Autumn internationals catch you soon take care

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Good to hear from you mate. Yes I’m yeh same nervous but excited to see what this team can do. Let’s home the experienced players can lift the rest of the team 👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@DavidShort-q1d]

Nicely explained Christian for my self i also think it is a more competitive squad Wales actually may win a match this autumn? As you said a few surprises But i do feel that the inclusion of F.Thomas is a good thing as he gives the pack just a little more power in the ball carrying department ,along with M.Llwellyn for the backs Also such a shame E.Dee and D.Jenkins are injured As they would have enhanced the squad alot .I also have to say im disappointed that S.Costelow as selected ahead of C.Sheedy and that D.Edwards isn't in the squad [just for his development ] Costelow isn't even starting for the Scarlets at the moment I would also have liked to see I Lloyd in the squad as a utility player as he covers the back 3 and flyhalf Any way here's hoping Wales are COMPETITIVE and can win one or two games this series

[@StopTheRot]

Agree with all of this

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah agreed with everything you said. Not mad the Costelow is in there though. Keep the faith and keep him involved. Surprised the other two 10ns haven’t been brought in though. Make me think he still wants Ben T and outside half 😬

[@StopTheRot]

I’d like to see this, because it gives us a strong bench, with a mix of experience and class. 1. Smith 2. Lake 3. Griffin 4. Rowlands 5. Carter 6. Plumtree 7. Morgan 8. Wainwright 9. Tomos 10. Anscombe 11. Dyer 12. Eddie James 13. Llewellyn 14. Hathaway 15. Murray 16. Thomas 17. Lloyd 18. Thomas 19. Tschiunza 20. Beard 21. Reffell 22. Bevan 23. Ben Thomas

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Decent side to be fair but no Cam Winnett?

[@StopTheRot]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcastI might be wrong, but he hasn’t impressed me so far.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, that’s fair. A couple of people have said they don’t see what all the fuss is about too but I think he’s excellent That could just be my Cardiff bias, though 😂

[@midgetarmy154]

Really surprised to not see Sheedy in the mix, his distribution this weekend was next level,. thought he had played his way in. Also where is Hardy? the only SH that actually gives quick ball. Having said that, we are starting to get depth of strong centres again, think Jonny Williams was unlucky as he has bulked and running really well, but then Ben Thomas, Eddie James, Grady and Max are all great. Also good to see Blair Murry get a shout, very strong runner with a wicked step (bit Shane like) also love Hathaway. Forwards think they look strong but not sure we have the strength to match SA but we will see,

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I agree with you. Pack looks okay, but certainly not elite level yet. It’s great to see some depth that centre hopefully a paring can nail down the spot now and we can build forward. As for Sheedy, I think he’s been a little inconsistent in his all-round play the Cardiff and well he’s had moments of brilliance is also had some poor stuff too. Plus his kicking has been below par but I thought Lloyd might get in simply for his utility

[@montybrewster7]

I think the best news in this squad is having anscombe back as it gives us a viable option at 10 which allows ben thomas to play in his natural position at 12. I think it's going to be another tough block of fixtures results wise but i guess we have to let some of the newer players gain that experience necessary for us to take that next step. I just hope we don't get trounced & can put in some competitive performances! Cheers christian.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I completely agree with you having and come back is massive and I think he can lift a lot of the players around him. I agree though it’s going to be a really tough block and it wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t get a single win out of this. But it’s really important that we actually see some development in the attack and that we are competitive in every game. I think if we play all these games and still within a score going into the last 10 minutes, that’ll be a massive improvement on where we’ve been, but we are desperate for a win because I feel like the Welsh rugby public are starting to get jaded 😬

[@montybrewster7]

​@@TheWelshSportsPodcast I totally agree, in particular with us all yearning to see some sort of shape & invention in attack. I think if anscombe & ben thomas start at 10 & 12 we’ll surely have a much better platform that we’ve had in recent games so fingers crossed!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I really hope that’s what it goes for. I just worry that he still wants that massive 12 to crash the ball up or he could also think that those two at 10 and 12 will be a bit light in defence and maybe he’ll want to put a bigger body in there. I don’t know🤷🏻‍♂️

[@montybrewster7]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Give me a break christian! I'm trying to think positively & hype myself up for an upturn in fortunes! Let's not talk warrenball & big guys crashing it up at 12! This is a brave new dawn....but you could be right! Sigh! Ha haaa.

[@ElfedMorris-z3j]

Is Coughlan in the squad.Showing up well for the Dragons and their winger.Forgotten his name now,but been very good again for the Dragons this season.

[@billymaguire3312]

Jarrod Rosser?

[@garyt1119]

I think you have the link for the wrong Archie Griffin in your "more" Lol. Really good again👍

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Sorry I don’t understand ? 😬😂

[@robday3968]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Where you have listed the players with their pictures in the description. Check out the picture for archie griffin (former american football player)...

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

In the description for this video?

[@robday3968]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Yes pal. Where the number of views is shown in the grey box, where you can click on "more" to expand your description, you have 11 players listed there with their corresponding photos. Archie Griffin is there, but it is the retired American footballer Archie Griffin. That's what @garyt1119 spotted.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Oh really? That must be put in automatically by KZbin because I didn’t do that. All I wrote was “ I take a look at the new Wales squad for the autumn test series” Something like that 😬 That’s strange 😂

[@davidpearn2484]

Christian do you agree Mason Grady needs to step up, great to see Jac Morgan back.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I’m hoping he get a good run of games at 13 this time and yeah great to see Jac back. He’s looked good this season already 👌🏼

[@clivesilver463]

Good squad, I've watched a few matches in the URC and Plumtree who was MOTM against the bulls I think will start either at 6 or 8, Morgan at 7 I think Wainwright must have some game time to shake of the rust if he does that then those three will make up the back row, In the second row Rowlands must start he's the best second rower Wales have, Christ went well in the summer so those two in the boiler house. Front row will or should be Lake Archie and Smith he must be given chance to transfer his club form onto the international arena, scrum half will be Tomos and I will have Anscombe at 10, had it not been for terrible injuries he was Wales best option, now things get very tricky, at fullback Cam Winnett should start just wish he'd attack the line a bit more, Rio Dyer will take the one wing with Grady on the other, I think the partnership with Watkin failed, so now the centres, I just don't rate Watkin at all, along with Costello neither are international class, I was not impressed with James, yes big unit but lacked intensity in his play, but may come good, so I will go for at 12 Ben and Max at 13 even though I haven't seen him play but if he's pulling up trees let him have a go, but will not be surprised to see Watkin in there or even Tomkins. The game against Fiji is a must win absolutely crucial, if we can beat Australia and then give SA a good game it will give confidence to the team, we must see combinations begin to work then we have a better chance come the 6 nations.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Hi Clive, yeah I can’t really argue with anything you said. I really really hope he goes for the centre combination and resist the temptation to stick with the older guard of Tompkins and Watkin. We will see though 😬

[@jonathoncollins6861]

Largely happy with that squad and the strongest we've probably seen since the world cup. I'd have made a few changes personally (Elias for Coghlan, Costelow for Edwards, Botham for SLH, Tompkins for J Williams) but there aren't many form players who missed out or undeserving players who got selected I think I'd go with this as a 23 1 Nicky Smith 2 Dewi Lake 3 Archie Griffin 4 Adam Beard 5 Will Rowlands 6 Jac Morgan 7 Tommy Reffell 8 Aaron Wainwright 9 Tomos Williams 10 Gareth Anscombe 11 Rio Dyer 12 Ben Thomas 13 Max Llewellyn 14 Mason Grady 15 Cameron Winnett 16 Evan Lloyd 17 Gareth Thomas 18 Henry Thomas 19 Freddie Thomas 20 Taine Plumtree 21 Rhodri Williams 22 Blair Murray 23 Josh Hathaway

[@jonathoncollins6861]

Although I wanted to squeeze in Eddie James but couldn't find where to put him 😅

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah that’s fair I agree with who you said maybe should have been swapped and I also like your team. More or less what I would pick too. Great minds my friend 😜😂

[@richarddykes8550]

Although Dragons lost over the weekend I thought Rhodri Williams had a good game in particular his speed of recycling the ball. Given how good defences are at International level you need a scrum half that is quick and has vision. Wales now need to start to get wins to build confidence. Most of these players, if they are consistent, will be around for a while, and hopefully they will provide a structure where the likes of Dan Edwards, who I rate highly, will find a place. Personally I want to see 2 wins in the Autumn. Argentina who I would place on par with Wales beat New Zealand and South Africa in the Rugby Championship through playing a fast paced game. Sometimes I despair when I watch the regions play with the amount of handling errors which kills off any good momentum. In the past a forward might be forgiven but in today’s game that is not acceptable.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah the ospreys were terrible for handling errors this weekend. Let’s hope it just teething problems developing a new system I’m really praying for at least 1 win out of these game 🙏🏼😬

[@davidmartin942]

Tompkins has played first choice for years for Saracens who have been overall the best team in England for years, so I really think you should try to not to keep putting him down every time you get a chance., You cannot just say I have not seen any English rugby so i am surprised he's in the squad. (They are top of the table) and playing at a lot higher level than most of the other backs play.. Not saying he is a lock in for Wales but that could be because of the other players around him. But I have noticed you have no time for him at all. Sorry to go on and I enjoy your thoughts on things in the main.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

He’s never really brought that form into Wales outside of the World Cup. Just because he fits into a a quality saracens team does not mean he works for Wales. My surprise was that I think there’s younger moser exciting players in the squad and I thought his time in this team has now passed which it still might have. You are right I always dig him out because in my opinion he’s been nothing but poor for Wales but the guys who get payed to make the decisions keep going with him so what do I know I guess 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@SkiwithMike]

T Williams, G Anscombe, R Dyer, B Thomas, M Llewelyn, M Grady, C Winnett Ben Thomas is the Locksmith

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

To be honest, I would be the exact same backline I would pick Mike. Great minds 👌🏼

[@Gruff55-v7v]

Lots of pros and cons with the squad, can see us having a great starting 15 with those players. Hopefully Gatlands choices can be justified but still some questionable decisions made

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I agree mate. I guess team selection will be where we see what his real plans are 😬

[@ElfedMorris-z3j]

Elias can't hit a barn door.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I agree

[@RRTNZ]

Mae o'n ffccyin ofnadwy ! Why does Gats persist with him and ffccyin Costelow? Those 2 cost us the RWC QF with their incompetence.

[@howardjones1180]

Shame to see Beard and Tompkins in there - could have taken the chance to move on from those two. Shame not to see Leon Brown (I still have hope for him!), Teddy Williams (injured?), Mackenzie Martin (injured), and Macs Page all included. On the whole, lots of youngsters and quite exciting, but a couple of powerful lads not picked in the forwards and I think we’ll regret that. On that theme, I know Rhys Carre was never in the mix, but he’s exactly the sort of player we need.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I agree with you about Carrie. As for the likes of Tompkins, I feel he could’ve given Aneurin Owen a shot for something different. I think Teddy is simply left out because we have some real depth in that spot and he’s just the unlucky one. Still a bit early for Page and McKenzie Martyn has barely played any minutes or season. Not really sure what’s going on there Yeah, shame about Brown is probably the first time in a long time. He’s actually had a run of games. He’s not good around the park but his scrummaging at times has been a bit suspect and maybe that’s why he’s been left out🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ElfedMorris-z3j]

I can see Wales losing all three games.None of those countries will have drinks parties before the games.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I don’t think the Wales team will either Elfed

[@jamesgill9223]

So no Sheedy or Jarrad Evans at 10 still when will Gatland get the hint that costelow cannot control a game has not improved in years !! Also were is regan grace ?

[@jaylevzi7293]

Jarrad Evans is no better than Costelow.

[@jamesgill9223]

@@jaylevzi7293 yes he is are you kidding me lol harlequins don’t sign nobody’s he averages 4 line breaks a game? Better all round player at 10 what are you talking about !!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I feel like Sheedy has kind of shown his limitations over the last couple of weeks, especially defensively and kicking at goal. I like Jarrad Evans but it seems like Gats just doesn’t rate him. As for Regan Greece, I’m not sure

[@jamesgill9223]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Dale mcintosh trains at my gym and always says the same thing Jarrad Evans at 10 would be a game changer but gats doesn’t give him a chance.

[@jamesgill9223]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast grace out until end of November injury picked up just read it he would have been picked otherwise 👍

[@olibedford]

I think Johnny Williams is unlucky. He’s never really done it for wales yet but neither has Owen Watkin and he’s in. Johnny has been good recently. I’d have taken Lloyd as a utility player. I think we need to find another option at fullback. I just don’t think Winnett will ever be good enough. The comparisons to halfpenny are laughable. Don’t rate Rogers either. Totally agree about his awful discipline. I believe he’s in solely because of how well he took his try at the weekend.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I do agree with you. I think his try had a big part in him getting selected this week. I don’t agree with you about Winnett though I think he’s quality and I think he’ll get better. I am a biased Cardiff fan though😂

[@justinthomas6942]

I agree with Shane Lewis Hughes, he's been pretty good , he will be interesting in years to come. I would give gatland this autumn and the 6 nations to nail down a team , the forwards seem to be almost established apart from injury it's nice to see Will Rowlands back , but the backs still seem to be an undecided issue, I'm hoping Max Llewelin Blair Murray and Tom Rodgers settle into the team after some good displays of magic our old team of yonder used to have.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Agreed about the pack as long as set piece can function ok. Back like you said are a mess atm. Would be really difficult to nail down a starting 15 if you asked me right now

[@ElfedMorris-z3j]

Agree with Aneurin Owen and Rhodri Williams always been a good player.Should start at scrum half.

[@silviodante3950]

Above Tomos Williams you are having a laugh

[@RRTNZ]

Gobeithiol gwnaiff Grady cyfle i chwarae fel canolwr. Pam dydy Jac ddim y Capten ? Dw I ddim yn credu bod , dweudais i "Thank God Anscombe is back." Bydd Costelow erioed ddim yn barod i'r tim genedlaethol

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I think Lake really out his hands up this summer and deserves a chance at it and yes thank god for Anscombe 😬

[@ElfedMorris-z3j]

Let's face it.Rugby has been a dying sport in Wales for decades.They were brilliant in the seventies because the game was less physical comparatively and thus more space for the Welsh players to show their skills.