How could Wales lineup for the upcoming 2025 Six Nations?

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Wales are heading into the 2025 Six Nations off the back of a record number of defeats with 13 consecutive defeats, leaving them winless in a test throughout 2024. The widespread responses throughout Welsh fans and media place criticism on either Warren Gatland or the players he is selecting.

So what does a Welsh starting XV for the upcoming 2025 Six Nations look like and should Warren Gatland still be at the Welsh reins?

Head Coach: Warren Gatland

The discussion around Gatland and his position has been a hot topic for Welsh rugby fans as well as pundits weighing in on the discussion. Many have been saying that change is needed, whilst Gatland himself has said that he thinks changes are needed further than himself. So what do Wales do? the answer is far from simple for the WRU but the common sense would point towards staying with Gatland because how much of an impact would a new coach make with such little time to make an impact before the Six Nations. However, a poor Six Nations and Gatland may well be on the chopping block.

Starting XV

1.Gareth Thomas

The Welsh front row has been decently solid throughout the Autumn campaign and Thomas gave a pretty good account of himself. The Ospreys prop has looked solid enough for Wales and is more than likely to keep his place come the first test against France in January.

2.Dewi Lake (Captain)

Lake carried himself really well during the past year especially coming off the back of the Autumn Nations Series. Both on and off the field he has applied himself as a clear leader and a backbone for anything positive with Wales. His line out throwing has been the best of the Welsh by a far margin and enables Wales’ lineout the function which is arguably their biggest weapon.

3. Archie Griffin

The young bath prop had a solid Autumn but did look low on fitness and struggled in the more physically demanding tests on the Welsh pack. If he can get some more fitness under his belt and come into the Six Nations on a much higher level from a conditioning stand point Griffin could be a started for years to come.

4. Adam Beard (If fit)

Beard has been at the heart of the Welsh line out for a few years now and still to this day his presence at set piece is vital to Wales. He did unfortunately for Wales pick up and injury and had to leave the squad following the test against Australia. If he is available Beard will be one of the first names on the team sheet to give Wales a solid set piece.

5. Dafydd Jenkins (If fit)

Another unsure due to fitness Jenkins has missed the start of this season so far following surgery but after a lacklustre Autumn from Will Rowlands, Wales will be desperate for Jenkins to be fit for the Six Nations campaign to give their pack some much needed robustness and physicality both on and off the ball.

6.Taine Plumtree

Plumtree has had a fine start to the season for his club side Scarlets and impressed during the Autumn and showed Gatland why he should be a starter. His all rounder nature in the back row gives Wales options as well which is something that could help the Welsh pack massively.

7.Jac Morgan

Morgan was one of Wales’ biggest sparks during the Autumn arguably being the best player for the side. He brings physicality in attack and defence as well as much needed leadership in a side lacking experience and natural leaders. He’ll be one of the first names selected come the first game of the Six Nations.

8. Aaron Wainwright

Wainwright was a contentious decision when he was selected given his limited minutes prior to the Autumn Nations Series following hamstring surgery. But with minutes for the Dragons all but guaranteed for him before the Six Nations Wainwright will be much more match fit and sharper come January and could really benefit the Welsh Pack.

9. Tomos Williams

Williams looked great against Fiji before injury ruled him out against Australia and the Springboks. Williams bring attacking options to the table with a great kicking game and experience in a very young and low capped Welsh backline.

10. Gareth Anscombe

Similar to his Gloucester half back partner, Anscombe when he played during the Autumn looked comfortable orchestrating a young Welsh side and was a reliable option from the boot for Wales. He’s a bit more of an older head which could be vital given Wales will likely be up against it going into the Six Nations.

11. Rio Dyer

Dyer only played the final match against South Africa in the Autumn but showed why he should be a set starter for Wales. He gives Wales so much energy in attack both with ball in hand and his kick chase is exceptional. Wales will need plenty of options in attack and Dyer could be the key to that.

12. Ben Thomas

Thomas applied himself really well during the Autumn and gave Wales an option with two play makers on the pitch. He’s been in fine form for Cardiff arguably Wales’ best performing back for the regions. He showed glimpses of his skill with handling looking really soft and his kicking also looking strong.

13. Nick Tompkins

The outside centre role for Wales was made unusable in the past three games with Max Llewellyn not looking ready at international level whereas Tompkins has been solid for Wales over the past couple of test series’ and is always electric in attack something Wales saw at the last world cup campaign. Utilised with Thomas as a centre partner that could be an exciting attacking option for the Six Nations.

14. Tom Rogers

Rogers looked brilliant against Australia before coming off injured and he’s looked really exciting for the Scarlets at club level. Similar to Dyer he looked as if he wanted to prove a point when he was on the field and gave Wales a great injection of pace and energy when the rest of the backline looked arguably sluggish.

15. Cameron Winnett

The young Cardiff fullback performed well during the Autumn tests. He looked really comfortable commanding the backfield and added other options in attack. Under the highball he’s performing similar to Liam Williams in the past and that added security patches a worry that Wales always need covering.

Honourable mentions-

Brodie Coghlan, Taine Basham, James Botham, Nicky Smith, Tommy Reffell, Teddy Williams, Sam Costellow, Callum Sheedy, Kieran Hardy, Ellis Bevan, Blaire Murray, Owen Watkin.

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