Experienced fly-half Gareth Anscombe has been chosen to play against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians in Cardiff tomorrow morning, marking his return to the Wales number 10 shirt for the first time since last year’s World Cup. Anscombe, 33, missed the previous season due to a groin injury but has shown impressive form with his new club, Gloucester.
Wales coach Warren Gatland has announced that Anscombe will take on the goal-kicking responsibilities in the match against Fiji. He acknowledges that although Anscombe has lost some speed due to past injuries—including a significant knee injury that kept him out for two years from 2019 to 2021—his wealth of experience is a valuable asset for the team.
Gatland stated, “He won’t like me saying this, but he has lost a yard or two of pace,” highlighting the adjustments Anscombe has made during his recovery. Despite this, he noted that Anscombe has brought back confidence and strong communication skills to the squad, which are essential for effective leadership.
Anscombe’s return will allow Ben Thomas to shift from fly-half, a role he occupied during Wales’ summer tour in Australia, to inside centre, where he will create a new midfield partnership with Max Llewellyn. Gatland commended Thomas for his strong performance, mentioning that he effectively balances his gameplay and possesses the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
On the bench, Gatland has included only two replacement backs, one of whom is Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow. He expressed optimism about Anscombe’s performance while also acknowledging Costelow’s growing understanding of the game. Gatland feels confident in both players’ abilities and is pleased with their training progress.
The highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 1:40 AM, and fans are eager to see Anscombe’s return to the field.
In summary, Gareth Anscombe’s comeback to the Welsh team is a significant moment, not only for him personally but also for the squad as a whole. His leadership and experience could play a crucial role in fostering team dynamics as they gear up for a challenging match against Fiji. This game presents an opportunity for the Welsh team to build momentum, showcasing resilience and adaptability as they navigate the season ahead.
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