The Unluckiest Players in Wales Right Now and Why They’ve Been Overlooked
Several talented players in Wales have been surprisingly left out of the national squad, raising eyebrows among fans and experts alike
Wales, Rugby, Warren Gatland, Max Llewellyn, Olly Cracknell, Cameron Winnett, Taine Plumtree, Rio Dyer, Gareth Anscombe
Cardiff: National squad announcement days can be a real rollercoaster. For some, it’s pure joy, but for others, it’s a day they’d rather forget. There are always players who come so close but just miss out.
Getting the right selections is crucial for success on the field. If Warren Gatland gets it wrong, he might not stick around after the Six Nations. Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas highlights some players who are feeling pretty unlucky not to be in the final squad.
Take Max Llewellyn, for instance. The 26-year-old has been on fire for Gloucester, even sharing the top spot for tries in the Gallagher Premiership. He started all three of Wales’ losses last autumn but didn’t quite make the impact everyone hoped for. It was a shock when his name wasn’t called this time, especially after a solid performance against the Scarlets. Maybe playing outside of Wales worked against him.
Then there’s Olly Cracknell. At 30, he’s been one of the standout backrowers in the English Premiership. His coach thinks he’s ready for Test rugby, but he’s up against some tough competition in his position. Plus, like Llewellyn, he plays in England, which doesn’t help his chances.
Cameron Winnett’s exclusion was a head-scratcher. The 22-year-old had a solid debut last year and was a regular at full-back. It’s surprising he didn’t make the cut, especially since Gatland had invested in him. But with Liam Williams back and other options emerging, it seems he got the short end of the stick.
And what about Taine Plumtree? He started strong but has hit a few bumps lately. He’s got the talent but needs to clean up his game a bit. Then there’s Rio Dyer, who’s been a consistent presence since his debut. His form has dipped, likely due to the struggles of the Dragons, but he’s got the potential to bounce back.
Lastly, Gareth Anscombe’s omission raises eyebrows. With only one fly-half in the squad who regularly plays that position, it seems risky not to include him. Sure, he’s 33, but he’s been performing well and could have been a great mentor for the younger players.