The puzzle for Wales’ starting XV for Saturday’s opening Six Nations match against Ireland is starting to take shape, although one detail in particular may have the manager frowning more than would.
Who is Warren Gatland lined up at Cardiff’s number 12?
Is important. Several.
The right center can transform a full-back, offering an extra dimension in attack, especially if he has footballing skills. It can take pressure off the middle of the fly and provide vision and an extra set of eyes. It worked spectacularly for Australia, with Matt Guiteau working against Bernard Foley. Back then, gold wasn’t just limited to the color of Wallabies jerseys.
Unknown new equipment that is “the oldest looking youth equipment you will ever see” is the talk of Welsh Rugby.
Of course, there are other ways to do this. Wales used the tenacious and destroying defense Jamie Roberts at the start of the Warren Gatland era to the point where he became arguably their most important player. Recall the line from Wales’ unofficial 2011 World Cup song Sam Our Captain, a reworked version of Sloop John B by Mark Burridge and Co.: “Jamie Roberts has a smart mind / He’ll be a doctor in two years old. ‘time/ Always puts the ball over the finish line…/ They can’t face it/ Then Wales will win.’
Roberts used his 6-foot, 40-pound frame to test the resolve of opposing defenses. Heinlines were led and Wales took the lead. At the height of his prime, the big man was perfect for the game Wales played. You had to move on to open up, was Gatland’s mantra.
After Roberts, plus a brief tryout from Owen Williams, Gatland singled out Hadley Parkes for a grunt.
Picking a reliable number 12 turned out to be to Wayne Pivak’s advantage. In fact, he used five different inside crosses in seven games at once during his time as Wales manager. Poor Dan Biggar in the north could be forgiven for struggling to remember the names of some of them. The idea of a Welsh association based on understanding, complementary skills and a unique vision then went to the birds. It got to the point that Mark Ring, a man who had the playing skills of 12, even suggested moving Biggar to the center to at least give the winger a chance there.
History tells us that Pivac did not go that route. Of course not. But at least Ring was trying to find a solution to the problem he identified.
It will be interesting to see who Gatland and their new attacking coach Alex King select for the role against Ireland.
Nick Tompkins became Pivatz’s choice. He’s not a Ring-type ace, but he has an appetite for work and a lot of skill. He manages to get emotional, he competes with the ball, he runs at good angles, he makes counterattacks.
He also studied Saracen culture, which works. When you take the field for your club you expect a win, and North Londoners usually win. Having these thought processes is important.
However, is he the dogged, unstoppable center that favored Gatland the hour before, with Jonathan Davies complementing Roberts just beyond him?
What about Gatland’s other options this time around? Keiran Williams may not be the greatest, but he’s been giving defenders nights on the regional stage this season with his ability to launch a surface-to-ground missile. He is another unwavering defender.
(Image: © Huw Evans Photo Agency)
He sought to develop his game without deviating from his strengths. Like Tompkins, he’s not a true number 12 in football, but the Ospreys have won and he’s been a huge part of that success.
Joe Hawkins is a young player, only 20 years old, who, as a high school number 10, really has the ability to play. The 6-foot, 5-pound osprey is also physically strong and can catch the ball if needed. When he made his debut for Wales against Australia in November, he played naturally, save for one mistake when under pressure at around 22.
Do you have the miles on your watch to own the Six Nations? As the old saying goes, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. However, Gatland will look at his three possible 12s over the next few days before settling on one, which suggests he will consider Mason Grady as a 13 alongside George North.
Should we look at another inside center option in Owen Williams? Gatland insists that won’t happen. “I didn’t pick him as a 12, I picked him as a 10,” said the New Zealander after naming his Six Nations squad.
Williams can dunk, shoot, pass and see opportunities others may be blind to. Potentially, he ticks a lot of boxes to play beyond midfield.
But he’s playing so well at 10 that maybe Gatland sees him as a real rival. As it was, the coach’s decision at the center is going to be interesting.
We have to assume that booing 40-year-old country pub owner Gavin Hanson now has a man who could do it all as a 12 in all his glory, with a thunderous boot, solid defending, rugby smarts and a little bit of style. it’s not an option, so it’s a matter of making the best call available.
Jamie Roberts has been an absolute asset at Gatland, but the choice is subjective and difficult.
Finding the right item isn’t always easy. You have to wish the head coach success in his work.
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Source: Wales Online
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
