Warren Gatland counts on Tomos Williams to lead Wales through tough times
- Warren Gatland selected Dan Edwards, an uncapped fly-half, for the Six Nations squad due to injuries to key players.
- Wales has lost their last 12 Test matches and has not won since beating Georgia 15 months ago.
- The success of the upcoming Six Nations matches is crucial for Wales' performance and morale.
In January 2025, Warren Gatland, the head coach of the Welsh national rugby team, announced his selection for the upcoming Six Nations tournament. Among the 34 players named was Dan Edwards, a fly-half from the Ospreys who has yet to earn his first cap for Wales. Edwards' inclusion follows a series of injuries to key players, including Gareth Anscombe, who has not been selected for this year's squad despite his extensive experience. Gatland expressed the need for Wales to develop strength in depth in the fly-half position and noted the disappointment of missing out on Edwards during last autumn's international window due to injury. The squad's situation appears critical, as Wales has struggled with form, having lost their last 12 Test matches and looking for their first international victory since a win over Georgia in 2023. The upcoming Six Nations opener against France poses a significant test for the team, particularly given their recent challenges. Gatland emphasized the importance of performances and results, especially in their first two matches against France and Italy. With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, including Edwards, the head coach aims to strike a balance between the future and immediate performance needs. Additionally, several other players were ruled out due to injury, including Dewi Lake and Adam Beard, which complicates the selection process further for Gatland. He acknowledged the need for solid options at fly-half, considering Gareth Anscombe's age and future participation with the national team keeping in mind the next World Cup. Despite the difficulties, Gatland remains hopeful that the squad can earn positive momentum during the tournament. As the tournament approaches, Gatland's mixed selection reflects both a strategy for immediate performance and a vision for future tournaments, showcasing the ongoing dilemmas facing the coaching staff. With the pressure on the players and coaches alike, the focus will be on achieving success in the Six Nations, where good results could revitalize the team's morale.