Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland has looked to the future of his squad, ahead of tomorrow’s 2023 Six Nations match against Scotland. Gatland has decided to drop a handful of the sides most decorated and experienced players, and has instead selected some of his younger stars in the starting XV.
Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau have all been removed from the starting XV, with Faletau dropped to the bench. The two Ospreys veterans have failed to make the squad entirely for the weekend, as Gatland choses in- form youth over experience.
Exeter Chiefs back-rower Christ Tshuinza moves up onto the blindside, with Jac Morgan moving back into number eight. Leicester Tigers flanker Tommy Reffell is called up to start on the openside flank, with Gatland selecting a back-row who collectively have just 15 caps between them.
Exciting Dragons winger Rio Dyer gets another start for Wales, as Louis Rees-Zammit requires another week of injury rehab. Gatland has defended the changes that he has made, and insisted that bringing in the young players was not a ‘panic move’.
“As a group this was part of the conversation from day one. We’ve realised we’ve got a bit of a disparity between the experience and the inexperience in the squad. How do we get these youngsters some game time and get them up to speed? That’s by playing international rugby.” Gatland told Wales Online.
“Reffell is 23, Morgan is 23, Tshiunza is young as well. But it’s not just those guys. I’m excited about Keiran Williams. Mason Grady has been training the house down. He’s really come on being in with us and you like to see these guys get an opportunity. We should have Rees-Zammit back for the England week.
“It’s not a panic move. I said that as coaches at the moment we need to find out about some of these younger players. Last week was about finding out where we are as a squad with the players we picked and we always spoke about how do we give the young players an opportunity.
Gatland has also re-shuffled his front row, with Scarlets loose-head prop Wyn Jones, and Cardiff tight-head Dillon Lewis making their return to the starting XV. Gareth Thomas and Tomos Francis are dropped for the match against Scotland.
“For us it was about getting a balance. There has been no knee-jerk reaction because this has been part of the plan right from day one. We’ve got a group of youngsters who, if I was in that age bracket, I’d be thinking if I go out, perform well and put my hand up, I’ve got a chance of holding onto that jersey. As a youngster, I’d be excited by the opportunity.”