When a team, like Wales, has so many experienced stars missing because of injury, it’s easy to dismiss their chances of any success. That’s insulting to the players who’re coming in and insulting to a rugby nation where the sport is such an emotional and defining characteristic.
The proud holders of the Six Nations trophy have had to reshape their squad because of so many absentees such as Alun Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, George North, Justin Tipuric and Leigh Halfpenny, all national heroes, but injuries mean opportunities for other players who have the chance to make names for themselves, like hooker Ryan Elias from the Scarlets.
Head coach Wayne Pivac, in charge of his third Six Nations campaign, has the chance now to prove all the many doubters wrong, many of whom believe that the only game Wales will win is against Italy.
You can understand the view that Wales won’t win the championship again because so many seasoned internationals are missing, but rest assured they’ll be competitive. However, it’s unlikely they’ll beat Ireland in Dublin.
Big Responsibility for New Captain Dan Biggar
In the absence of Alun Wyn Jones, Pivac’s choice of Dan Biggar as his new captain makes so much sense…capped 96 times in all Tests for Wales, Biggar has scored 535 points for his country..7 tries, 82 conversions, 105 penalties and seven drop goals.
What a massive task Biggar faces in Dublin as he leads and hopes to inspire a team that has already been written off.
The Northampton Saints’ fly half, first selected in 2008, is vastly experienced, and he’ll need all his international maturity if Wales are to cause a big upset.
During the Ireland-Wales clash, one of the big issues at the Aviva Stadium will be the game within a game between the two captains and fly halves, Jonny Sexton and Biggar.
Now both in their 30s, Biggar and Sexton have the potential to change the course of a Test, so it’s a duel well worth looking forward to.
Welsh Fans Hopes on Louis Rees-Zammit
Is there a more exciting player or try scorer in British and Irish rugby than Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit?
The Gloucester back scored a sensational try, seen by thousands on the internet, against Newcastle Falcons in a recent Premiership game, a dash of 80 metres, the type of thrilling try that wins games.
Aged just 21,Rees-Zammit lit up the Six Nations tournament in 2021, scoring four tries, and it was little wonder that his speed and ability to rip defences apart was rewarded with a place on the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.
Capped 12 times, this dazzling Welsh winger has a brilliant future, but will he get enough ball in Dublin against Ireland who’ve lost only once to Wales in the last seven games in the Irish capital?
Wales’ Fixtures in the Six Nations
- Saturday Feb 5th..v Ireland, Dublin
- Saturday Feb 12th..v Scotland, Cardiff
- Sat Feb 26th: v England, Twickenham
- Friday March 11th..v France, Cardiff
- Saturday March 19th: v Italy, Cardiff
- Get 14/1 on Wales to win Six Nations
