Six Nations

Gatland lays down 6N challenge to uncapped pair

2018-01-16 20:41

Cardiff - Coach Warren Gatland said uncapped pair Josh Adams and James Davies had an "exciting opportunity" to make their mark as Wales unveiled their Six Nations squad on Tuesday.

Worcester wing Adams and Scarlets flanker Davies are part of a 39-man squad that also includes Northampton wing George North and Bath number eight Taulupe Faletau, who are both currently sidelined through injury.

Adams, 22, is the top try-scorer in this season's English Premiership with nine touchdowns and he was recently watched at Sixways by Wales assistant coach Rob Howley.

"For Josh, it's a great opportunity," said Gatland. "He's been on great form, and the back three is somewhere we are looking to create depth in."

Davies, 27, brother of Wales and British and Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies, was part of Great Britain's rugby sevens medal-winning squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"It is an exciting opportunity for the two new caps," Gatland added. "James's form over the last couple of years has been impressive. He is in a competitive area, but we look forward to seeing what he can do."

Gloucester back-row forward Ross Moriarty, who has played just two games this season following a long injury absence, is also selected along with Bath fly-half Rhys Priestland, who has a hamstring problem.

Cardiff Blues prop Dillon Lewis is included and experienced Ospreys forwards Scott Baldwin and Bradley Davies are both recalled.

There are no places, though, for Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts or Bath lock Luke Charteris.

"With Taulupe, we are hoping he will be available towards the end of the campaign, and Rhys (Priestland) picked up a knock at the weekend, so we will see where he is at," said Gatland.

"It's useful to have these experienced guys around camp and to have them included and to work with them."

Wales, who finished fifth in last year's championship, kick off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland in Cardiff on February 3.

Wales's 39-man squad for the Six Nations:

Backs (18):

Aled Davies (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Bath/ENG), Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Owen Williams (Gloucester/ENG), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Worcester/ENG), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues, Steff Evans (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), George North (Northampton/ENG), Liam Williams (Saracens/ENG)

Forwards (21):

Rob Evans (Scarlets), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter/ENG), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), James Davies (Scarlets), Taulupe Faletau (Bath/ENG), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester/ENG), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)

Read more on:    wales  |  six nations  |  warren gatland  |  cricket
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Saturday, 03 February 2018
Wales v Scotland, Principality Stadium 16:15
France v Ireland, Stade de France 18:45
Sunday, 04 February 2018
Italy v England, Stadio Olimpico 17:00
Saturday, 10 February 2018
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