The 16 sure participants of the Wales Rugby World Cup team

Posted by Xchange Tickets on April 1st, 2023

Although more than half of Warren Gatland's team has signed contracts to compete in the RWC 2023 in France, there is still a lot to compete for. In Wales' Rugby World Cup team, how many spots have already been secured? Rugby supporters can book Wales Rugby World Cups Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.

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Before a Rugby World Cup final, Brian Clough allegedly warned his Nottingham Forest performers that only a man by the name of Albert Kershaw was guaranteed to board the team, adding that "and he'll be running it."

There were no sure things to pick. Few performers were absolute locks for Warren Gatland's starting lineup throughout the 6N, according to a popular view. At times, squad performances were so dismal that anything else would have been unexpected.

Even though there are still more than enough spots available just 5 months out from the assembly of the top rugby performers in the world, Gatland must begin finalising the names for his 33-person panel.

Back three (5)

Liam Williams' name has already been put in a spot after the Cardiff player made an impression throughout the Six Nations, with his performance versus Italy, in particular, demonstrating what he offers to the table. Even though there had already been yellow cards, Williams performs on the edge, and the benefits greatly exceed the drawbacks.

Josh Adams may not have exactly taken off with the ball in hand during the tournament, but Gatland appreciates what he provides to the defence and is hoping the 2019 Rugby World Cup's leading try-maker rediscovers his incisiveness

How is Louis Rees-Zammit doing?

Last Saturday at Kingston Park, he didn't score for Gloucester versus Newcastle, although he constantly tried to receive the ball, forcing the home defence to go on high alert. Wales' challenge is to provide room for him as his pace will intimidate any defence.

He as an offensive performer should undoubtedly suffice for him to be regarded as a Rugby World Cup lock, provided his defence should strengthen. There is an argument to be made that Rio Dyer belongs among those who have already clinched seats. On the other hand, the battle is fierce for up to five back-three slots.

On point: Josh Adams, Louis Rees-Zammit, Liam Williams

Tough competitors: Alex Cuthbert, Rio Dyer, Leigh Halfpenny

Outsiders: Johnny McNicholl, Tom Rogers.

Centres (4)

It is difficult to envisage Gatland travelling to the Rugby World Cup without the seasoned Osprey if George North's exclusion from Wales' starting lineup is no longer front-page news in every Welsh publication. North can rank among the finest out there and can be counted on to make defences. He is versatile, something coaches value when roster space is limited.

The selectors are likely to remember Johnny Williams' outstanding performance versus a Sharks midfield that also included Lukhanyo Am when they meet, and Joe Hawkins' versatility as a cover 10 and inside centre may help him secure a spot.

With Wales' difficulties breaking challenges in the Six Nations, Nick Tompkins and Owen Watkin may compete for the final midfield position, but Keiran Williams' skill to smash his path throughout the gain line may prove useful.

Nailed on: George North.

Strong contenders: Mason Grady, Joe Hawkins, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Johnny Williams

Outsiders: Keiran Williams, Joe Roberts, Max Llewellyn

Scrum-halves (3)

Rhys Webb helped Wales improve over the final two rounds of the Six countries, and his contagious confidence makes it surprising if he isn't included. Tomos Williams may prepare for another appearance at a major competition. With the Scarlet in top form, Gareth Davies is putting up a strong fight for third place.

Nailed on: Tomos Williams, Rhys Webb

Strong contenders: Gareth Davies, and Keiran Hardy.

Outsider: Dane Blacker.

Loosehead props (3)

Four competitors are in the running, but it's difficult to single out one of them as a lock to travel. Wyn Jones was a starter for Wales 3 times during the Six Nations, although he struggled to find his best game versus France and was taken out after 45 minutes. Someone must take the initiative for Gatland. Nicky Smith has been in the spotlight for the Ospreys, although Wales appears to be missing him. It's all to compete for right now.

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Solid nominees: Wyn Jones, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Rhys Carre

Outsider: Corey Domachowski.

Hookers (3)

Even before his performance as captain during the 6N, Ken Owens was expected to make the team this fall. The Scarlet represented Wales admirably both on and off the pitch while upholding his standards as a performer, which is now twice the situation.

Dewi Lake should get prepared for the journey as well since he is the finest physical hooker in Welsh rugby and his capacity for carrying the ball forward, either as an opener or as a substitute, may be quite crucial. The competition for the final hooking slot is currently being contested by three players, with Sam Parry helping his cause with a strong performance in front of Gatland versus the Dragons.

Pinned on: Dewi Lake, Ken Owens

Strong contenders: Sam Parry, Ryan Elias, Bradley Roberts

Outsider: Scott Baldwin.

Tighthead props (3)

In the Six Nations, Wales mainly relied on Tomas Francis and Dillon Lewis to handle tighthead duties, and the pair didn't disappoint, with the former reliable in scrums and the latter effective when coming off the bench.

Where does Gatland look for his third tighthead?

With the ball in his hands, Leon Brown is a player who nearly always crosses the goal line. Mind you, he needs a run of games and could have done without a significant injury layoff in 2022. Yet, his supporters believe he has tremendous potential.

This summer, Tom Botha will have played with the Ospreys for five years, making him technically eligible to represent Wales. Does he want to represent them in Test rugby? He is a prop who can scrummage, but we are unsure of the responses to those queries at this time.

Sam Wainwright and Keiron Assiratti have also been advancing.

Pinned on: Dillon Lewis, Tomas Francis

Strong contender: Leon Brown.

Outsiders: Tom Botha, Keiron, Sam Wainwright, Harri O’Connor

Locks (4)

Is Alun Wyn Jones certain to play in his sixth Rugby World Cup? It would be difficult to argue against such a notion after his performance for the Ospreys versus the Dragons last Saturday, which Warren Gatland witnessed. Without his expertise, leadership, and participation, it would be a risky decision to travel to France. Dragons team manager Dai Flanagan referred to him as a "superhero."

Coaches typically do not bring such players with them to Rugby World Cups. Many people don't exactly shower Adam Beard with praise, but the selectors chose him as a crucial forward. On that premise, it appears reasonable to assume that he will be travelling to France with the group.

Pinned on: Alun Wyn Jones, Adam Beard

Solid candidates: Cory Hill, Jake Ball, Dafydd Jenkins, Rhys Davies, Will Rowlands

Outsiders: Seb Davies, Ben Carter

Back row (6)

Despite not including any Welshmen in his 23-man post-6N Lions team, Taulupe Faletau and Justin Tipuric constantly displayed high levels of performance. Faletau's omission would be equivalent to the Huns ignoring Attila. It won't occur. Tipuric also possesses expertise and calibre that cannot be ignored.

Who follows them is yet uncertain. If his recently operated ankle doesn't cause him any trouble, Jac Morgan will likely be first in line. Christ Tshiunza can compete at lock or in the back row, and Aaron Wainwright's performance versus France in the 6Ns championship game will be recalled.

Pinned on: Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric.

Solid candidates: Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan, Ross Moriarty, Christ Tshiunza, Tommy Reffell

Outsiders: Morgan Morris, Josh Navidi, Thomas Young, Josh Macleod, Dan Lydiate, Josh Navidi, Taine Basham

No.10s (2)

Gatland, will you accept two or three expert 10s? If the agile Joe Hawkins is selected in the centre, there might only be two. Again, Owen Williams' performance during the Six Nations didn't hinder his possibilities, and Sam Costelow's kick for the Scarlets versus the Sharks was extremely impressive.

On point: Dan Biggar, and Gareth Anscombe.

Significant competitors: Rhys Patchell, Sam Costello, Owen Williams

Outsiders: Sam Davies, Callum Sheedy, Rhys Priestland

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