Nations Championship: The likely Wales squad with changes expected

Wales, in an uncapped game, face the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, before facing Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa in the inaugural Nations Championship.

Due to their trip to south-west London in late June, head coach Tandy will more than likely select an extended training squad before narrowing down his selection.

This will also be applicable due to the fact of not being able to have access to English and French-based players straightaway.

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However, with all that said, here’s who is likely to be included in Tandy’s squad announcement at the beginning of next week.

Following a Six Nations campaign when Wales ended their losing run, the back-three selection became a hotly contested area of Tandy’s selection.

It’s no different now.

You would expect that, for large parts of the summer, Bristol Bears’ Louis Rees-Zammit will wear the 15 jersey, but is that up for debate?

Dragons RFC Angus O’Brien has been a consistent top performer for the resurgent Welsh club this season, and is currently in brilliant form.

Cardiff Rugby’s Jacob Beetham could also put his name into contention, and teammate Cam Winnett may make his international return.

Both Ellis Mee and Mason Grady are injury doubts on the wing, and this should allow for Rio Dyer to return to the international stage. Elsewhere, expect Josh Adams and Tom Rogers to be present, and do not be surprised if Macs Page is involved this summer.

There’s a feeling that Scarlets’ Joe Hawkins will be in contention for the ten jersey this summer, and this may lead to Eddie James wearing the 12 shirt.

Outside of him, it will more than likely be Max Llewellyn who comes back into the fold, whilst Ben Thomas may also have some involvement in the centres this summer.

With the extended squad announced, expect to see Louie Hennessey, Aneurin Owen, and Joe Roberts to be brought into the conversation.

Despite a turbulent Six Nations, following a strong finish, Ospreys’ Dan Edwards remains the number one option at 10 for Wales. Albeit he could count himself rather fortunate, with both Sam Costelow and Jarod Evans both sidelined at the moment.

If unfit, then this could lead to Hawkins getting the nod at ten at some point during the summer, a position he has spent the majority of his United Rugby Championship campaign this season.

Callum Sheedy will more than likely be picked as Tandy’s third option at 10. At nine, there will be no change here.

Tomos Williams, who suffered a shoulder injury in Gloucester’s win over Sale Sharks, is likely to be out for two to three weeks, but this will have no impact on the summer Tests.

It’s disappointing that if Che Hope were fit, then he would’ve made it, but Tandy should remain with Keiran Hardy and Reuben Morgan-Williams.

Looking at who will be selected at loose-head and tight-head, Rhys Carré, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Tomas Francis and Archie Griffin should all be involved.

Particularly, Sale Sharks-bound Francis, who has brought much-needed experience into the pack, and his intelligence around the breakdown area has been superb.

Chris Coleman was brought into the frame as a surprise inclusion for last summer’s tour of Japan, whilst at loose-head, Rhys Barratt may be a good call.

Given that Dewi Lake is unfit, that should not cause much harm to Wales. The powerful Ryan Elias was brilliant in his outings during the Six Nations, and Elliot Dee could be brought back into the conversation here.

Liked among the Welsh coaching set-up, Liam Belcher will undoubtedly be involved, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Brodie Coghlan, who made his debut off the bench against the All Blacks, have an opportunity.

It was a Six Nations campaign to remember for Ben Carter, who has overtaken Adam Beard for the starting jersey and should join Exeter Chiefs Dafydd Jenkins in the starting XV.

Freddie Thomas and Rhys Davies should be the other picks by Tandy, but the big ball-carrying Welsh-qualified Levi Douglas may also be picked.

We have left the most competitive and exciting three positions as our last picks. Returning Jac Morgan will captain and wear the seven jersey throughout the summer. That is Tandy’s easiest call here in the back-row.

Open-side Tommy Reffell, who has seemingly lost his touch with the Welsh set-up, should be involved, but unsurprisingly may be sidelined. James Botham was mightily impressive in the Six Nations, and Josh Macleod and Harri Deaves are a toss of a coin here.

Cardiff’s Alex Mann had a remarkable and record-breaking Six Nations championship, and should wear the six jersey once again. If it weren’t for his ill-discipline, Taine Plumtree has the ingredients of a brilliant Test player, but has not shone as of late.

Ryan Woodman, who was called upon during the Six Nations, should be included as he needs more time in the national team set-up. As for number eight, talisman and consistent performer Aaron Wainwright will have that jersey.

The Dragons player is one of the best in Wales at the moment, whilst Olly Cracknell will make things competitive here.