Wales predicted team v Ireland: Matt Sherratt to swing the axe and ‘spark’ Six Nations strugglers into life as snubbed trio are ‘vindicated’
From left to right: Matt Sherratt, Max Llewellyn and Gareth Anscombe
Wales come into their round three clash with Ireland a real unknown entity following a fortnight of wholesale changes.
Warren Gatland has been relieved of his duties as head coach, with Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt taking the reigns for the remainder of the Six Nations; and he has quickly put his stamp on things.
Rob Howley has left as attack coach, Rhys Thomas has joined as skills coach and the trio of Jarrod Evans, Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn have been drafted into the squad to reinvigorate their attack.
But, how will Sherratt deploy his squad this weekend? Well, here is our best bet at a potential Wales starting XV to take on Ireland this weekend.
15 Blair Murray
With Liam Williams ruled out through injury, Blair Murray will likely start at fullback this weekend. The Scarlets man deputised well there against Italy, despite the result, and could look to make this jersey his own moving forward.
14 Tom Rogers
Really impressive start to his Test career, and he looks to be Wales’ long-term option on the wing. He just has all the skills required of a winger in the modern game, and will once again need to step up for his team.
13 Max Llewellyn
Vindication! Max Llewellyn is finally back in the Wales squad, and he should be put straight into the starting XV. Llewellyn is by FAR Wales’ best option at 13 (no, he’s not a 12…) and will add some serious fizz to their attack.
12 Ben Thomas
It’s not been plain sailing for Ben Thomas this Six Nations, but returning him to his actual position of 12 should get the best out of him. Whilst this is yet another centre pairing, Thomas and Llewellyn have that sort of attacking mindset that Sherratt is after right now, and could be a fine pairing as a result.
11 Josh Adams
Despite blowing some golden opportunities last weekend, his experience will be so valuable to the side and he should keep his place as a result. When he turns it on, he is still a fine player as well.
10 Gareth Anscombe
Yet another one of Sherratt’s trio slotting straight back in to the starting XV is Gareth Anscombe, who could be the spark Wales need. Anscombe’s experience will make him such a valuable asset in their attack, but crucially he also likes to play an attacking style that fits with Sherratt’s DNA too. A match made in heaven?
9 Tomos Williams
The partnership of Anscombe and Tomos Williams has been so successful for Gloucester this year, and they could do the same for Wales this weekend. They just get the very best out of each other when deployed in the same team, and that sets up a really exciting prospect for Wales’ fortunes this weekend.
8 Taulupe Faletau
Marked his return to the Test stage with a remarkable performance against Italy, and will yet again be needed to be at his best to beat Ireland. Whilst he might be a different player to the one we saw during his peak, he is still showing he is a very classy player.
7 Jac Morgan
Do we even need to justify why Jac Morgan will start this weekend? He is just an incredible player, probably Wales’ only truly world-class player right now, and is set to play a key role against Ireland this weekend.
6 Aaron Wainwright
Big call now, with James Botham having a solid run of games, but Aaron Wainwright’s carrying could make a real difference against a strong Irish pack. He just carries with serious hatred and anger towards his opposition, which is the sort of thing Wales need in their pack right now.
5 Dafydd Jenkins
Whilst he missed the Italy clash through illness, Dafydd Jenkins should be all good to go for Ireland. He is such a workhorse around the park, and even though he is in the early stages of his Test career he adds some serious leadership to the squad.
4 Will Rowlands
You’d expect Will Rowlands will retain his spot in the starting XV this weekend. He just does the ugly stuff so well for his side, and that will be crucial against this Irish pack.
3 Henry Thomas
Needs a better scrummaging showing if he wants to retain his starting shirt. He will come under the pump against an in-form Andrew Porter though.
2 Evan Lloyd
Despite a tough lesson in Rome last time out, he should start at hooker again this weekend. His work around the park is a real strong point, but he needs to shore up the lineout if he wants to nail down his spot.
1 Gareth Thomas
Like H. Thomas, needs an improved scrummaging performance to retain his shirt, but his work around the park is a real plus for him.
Bench: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 James Botham, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Josh Hathaway
The bench will likely be fairly similar to their previous two Tests, with Jarrod Evans likely to be the only major change as he comes in for Dan Edwards. The Quins ace is another player who could get Wales playing the sort of rugby Sherratt wants, and is also bang-in-form. Freddie Thomas should also move back to the bench with Jenkins back available.
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