David Campese’s Six Nations form guide: Wales in ‘rugby doldrums’ as ‘hard to see’ where drought-ending win comes from
Wales will be determined to improve in 2025 Six Nations.
In the first of a six-part form guide, Wallabies great David Campese gives us his thoughts on the runners and riders ahead of the 2025 Six Nations Championship.
The Australian rugby legend kicks things off with last year’s Wooden Spoon holders Wales, who will be desperate to bounce back and end their dismal run of form.
Overview
It’s sad to see a nation such as Wales in the rugby doldrums. Their losing streak has now extended to 12 successive games and with France first up in Paris under lights, it’s hard to see them grabbing a win in the first round. Nevertheless, Warren Gatland has made the best of the resources available and you can bet your bottom dollar the pride in the red jersey will ensure a characterful performance.
Style
Gatland will go back to a pragmatic approach; expect to see Wales look to improve their set-piece platform with the recruitment of Adam Jones as their scrum coach. Wales have decent firepower in their back three, and Liam Williams is a classy operator whether on the wing or at full-back.
But they lack power – so expect to see a spoiling game at the breakdown using a jackal threat to win turnovers rather than an ability to consistently win collisions. However, playing transition rugby needs running talent and I wonder if the midfield Gatland has at his disposal is adequate enough to deliver killer blows off turnover ball. A lot depends on the form and fitness of Tomos Williams at scrum-half, the one truly world class player available to Gatland.
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One thing that many overlook is the Welsh ability in the lineout and maul, where Adam Beard (injured for the early rounds) , Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins consistently power their effectiveness. Beard in particular is fantastic in this regard, whether in attack or defence and it’s the one area of the set-piece that could serve Wales well.
Superstars
I mentioned Tomos Williams and you only have to watch his deeds week in, week out for Gloucester just to understand what a threat he is. Running, kicking, passing, he has the complete game and his fitness is crucial for the Welsh campaign.
In the back-row Jac Morgan is a rising star, but I don’t subscribe to those who claim he’s world class already. He’s never won against a top four Test side and he needs to dominate those types of matches if he’s to become a Lion. Alongside Morgan, Aaron Wainwright and Taulupe Faletau are proven Test match performers with Faletau much needed to add some heft at the back of the scrum.
Scorelines
It’s hard to see where Wales are going to get a Six Nations win. They host England in Round Five and if Steve Borthwick’s men have a poor tournament, the history of Wales v England and the passion that fixture creates might just see an upset. France in Paris first up could get bloody for them given the form of the Top 14 players, and Round Two sees Wales travel to face Italy – and given the form of Benetton and especially their centre partnership, I cannot see a Welsh win there, in a fixture they’d traditionally target.