‘It’s exciting, I think we will win it all, I think we will shock a few people’
MANY Six Nations fans are resigned to Wales being awarded a second wooden spoon in a row – but some can see real glimmers of hope.
Following a disappointing series of autumn internationals featuring a lot of newcomers, some experienced warriors return to the side.
Talupe Faletau is expected to make his return after a 15-month absence due to injury, completing a strong back row trio of Aaron Wainwright and captain Jac Morgan.
Former British and Irish Lions winger Josh Adams and fullback Liam Williams also return to international duty bringing with them a combined 151 Welsh caps and 42 tries.
“It’s exciting, I think we will win it all, I think we will shock a few people,” said Nathan Marshall who works at Cardiff’s Rugby Heaven shop.
“Just play rugby. We need to get away from the crash ball from six years ago, In the autumn internationals we didn’t roll over, for what we had we played quite well. I’m looking forward as well, Warren Gatland filtered young lads in with experience,” he added.
Nathan’s colleague John Williams agrees.
“The back row we have will shock anyone. Josh Adams is back in and if he can stay fit that is a bonus, it’s a bit of size and experience, and some experience back will be good,” said John.
“I’m not expecting a win, just an improvement in performance, you can see the potential in the squad, you just need time, it’s difficult until you see the first game to make any judgement.
“We’re either going to surprise people or get battered.”
“I think it’ll be a surprise,” Nathan replied.
Despite a disappointing 2024 and a record breaking defeat at the hands of Australia in the autumn other fans have not given up on the national side.
“The great thing about the autumn Internationals is that we get to test people in different positions and use newer squad members, so although it is disheartening there is a slight bit of hope there,” said Josh from Mountain Ash.
Chris Edwards, who helps run the Wales Rugby Fans Facebook page with 31,000 followers, has his doubts but is not expecting a terrible campaign.
“This season I am hoping we will see an improvement, although the lack of experience at 10 is a concern,” said Chris.
Squad depth could be a worry for Welsh fans with a number of big names being left out of the 35-man squad including Gloucester’s Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn as well as the Dragons’ Rio Dyer.
“Although I am an Ospreylian through and through. Dan (Edwards) is going to have his work cut out, assuming Gats starts him and not Ben Thomas. I’d have preferred Anscombe and Dan,” said Chris.
“I feel the best we can hope for is two wins being Italy, and a monumental performance against Scotland, as the other three are going to be too good for us I believe.”
Wales kick off their 2025 Six Nations campaign this Friday against France.
Last year in the same contest Wales lost 24-45 in Cardiff and with the formidable nine-10 combination of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack making their return to the Six Nations, Wales may be on the brink of a record breaking-defeat at the hands of Les Bleus.
The previous record loss for Wales against France has stood since 1998 with their 51-0 thrashing in the Five Nations.
Wales have not managed to beat France since their 20-19 quarter-final victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Following the clash against France on Friday, Wales face Italy on Saturday February 8 in a must-win game for the Welsh side.
They follow that with a home game against world number two Ireland and a tough away match against a strong Scottish side before the final day showdown against England in Cardiff.
“It’s going to be a tough programme this time around with the way the games are structured, especially with only Ireland and England at home. It’s always a tough game in Paris and the Scots in Murrayfield will obviously be difficult with them being in form,” said Jason, of Rugby Shop Wales, who didn’t want to give his last name.
“The Italians in Rome, I am sure that is something Warren Gatland will be targeting,”
“With England in terms of the Six Nations it is that carrot at the end of the tournament. The team will always be fired up for the game against England,” he said.
Both home games this year will be played in a sold-out Principality stadium with 74,000 fans expected for Ireland on February 22 and the finale versus England on March 15.
“Both senior men’s home fixtures have been in high demand and this is a fantastic achievement and a sign of the passion and belief that Welsh rugby fans have for this team,” said Abi Tierney, Welsh Rugby Union Group CEO.
Warren Gatland’s starting XV is set to be announced on Wednesday, January 29 at 12.30pm.
Fixtures
- Friday Jan 31 @ France
- Saturday Feb 8 @ Italy
- Saturday Feb 22 vs Ireland
- Saturday March 8 @ Scotland
- Saturday March 15 vs England