The likely Wales squad to be named next week as changes expected

Next week, Steve Tandy will name his Wales squad for the summer Tests.

Given there’s four matches to play, with the uncapped game against the Barbarians preceding the Nations Championship fixtures with Fiji, Argentina and South Africa, Tandy might opt to name an extended squad before whittling it down. Given he’s unlikely to have access to English-based players immediately, that would make sense.

The question is who will form that squad – one that will be answered in the coming days.

However, ahead of time, here’s who could be in the frame to make Tandy’s squad…

Props

Starting in the front-row, there’s six nailed on names.

Rhys Carre, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Tomas Francis and Archie Griffin should be in there.

If there’s other names to be included, Cardiff loosehead Rhys Barratt – tipped for a big future – could be one.

On the tighthead, it’s harder to see who the next cab off the rank is. Sam Wainwright was called up in the Six Nations, while Ben Warren has also been brought in at times in the last year.

Rhys Carre, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Rhys Barratt, Keiron Assiratti, Tomas Francis, Archie Griffin, Ben Warren

Hookers

Assuming Dewi Lake misses out through injury, Wales’ hooker stocks are still relatively strong.

Elliot Dee could be in line for a recall, given he continues to be a consistent performer, while Ryan Elias is powerful.

Beyond that, Liam Belcher, Evan Lloyd, Brodie Coghlan and Lewis Lloyd are all options. The Wales coaching staff seem to like Cardiff captain Belcher.

Lloyd would be an exciting choice, but Dragons’ Coghlan could be the pick.

Ryan Elias, Elliot Dee, Liam Belcher, Brodie Coghlan

Second-rows

There was a changing of the guard in terms of the starting second-rows during the Six Nations.

Ben Carter usurped Adam Beard in Tandy’s starting side, but the Montpellier lock isn’t likely to fall out of the squad altogether just yet.

Teddy Williams still isn’t back from injury yet, but Rhys Davies could well join Tandy’s Six Nations options next week.

Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Adam Beard, Freddie Thomas, Rhys Davies

Back-rows

This week, Jac Morgan noted how competitive the back-row is – talking about selection as if he’s not guaranteed a place.

Of course, it would be the bombshell to end all bombshells were Morgan not in the squad next week. He’ll captain the side, but it’ll interesting to see what Wales do upon his return.

James Botham was very good at openside in the Six Nations. Josh Macleod and Harri Deaves could fight out for the third spot in that position, given Tommy Reffell seems to be persona non grata.

On the blindside, Alex Mann enjoyed a fine Six Nations. Taine Plumtree has a Test players’ credentials hidden somewhere behind a spate of yellow cards, while Ryan Woodman deserves more time with the squad.

As for No. 8, Aaron Wainwright is one of Wales’ best players right now. Olly Cracknell is a solid option too. Kane James, if he’s fit and that’s a big if as he’s not returned yet, should be an option as he’s understood to have thrown his lot in with Wales.

If not, do Wales look at Morgan Morris? Let’s not forget about Morgan Morse, either.

Jac Morgan (captain), James Botham, Harri Deaves, Alex Mann, Olly Cracknell, Taine Plumtree, Aaron Wainwright, Kane James, Ryan Woodman

Scrum-halves

There’s probably likely to be little change at scrum-half.

Were Che Hope fit, he could have pushed. As it is, the same three as the Six Nations seems likely.

Tomos Williams, Keiran Hardy, Reuben Morgan-Williams

Fly-halves

Dan Edwards remains the first-choice after the Six Nations.

However, there’s some concerns beyond him. Sam Costelow and Jarrod Evans are both sidelined – so Tandy will have to get a prognosis on both of those before naming his squad.

If they aren’t fit, Callum Sheedy is probably the next cab off the rank, while Joe Hawkins – despite being Wales’ first-choice 12 in the Six Nations – is playing 10 week-in, week-out for the Scarlets.

Dan Edwards, Callum Sheedy, Joe Hawkins

Centres

If Hawkins is seen as a 10 this summer, that could open things up for a more physical centre pairing.

Eddie James was very good at 13, but he could move to 12 to bring Max Llewellyn back into the fold.

Expect Louie Hennessey to see more minutes after some big outings for Bath, while Joe Roberts has looked good for the Scarlets after missing the Six Nations.

Eddie James, Ben Thomas, Louie Hennessey, Max Llewellyn, Joe Roberts

Back-three

Back-three ended up being an interesting one in the Six Nations, with Louis Rees-Zammit being handed the 15 jersey.

However, could Tandy rethink full-back? Jacob Beetham, albeit on the wing, has shown the sorts of traits you’d want from a Test full-back for Cardiff, while Angus O’Brien has made his case across the campaign.

On the wing, there’s injury doubts about Ellis Mee and Mason Grady.

Rio Dyer should come back into contention, while Gabriel Hamer-Webb deserves another chance after being amongst the tries for Leicester.

Josh Adams, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Tom Rogers, Rio Dyer, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Jacob Beetham, Angus O’Brien

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