Warren Gatland’s first squad as Wales coach went down well with many, but not with all.
At this rate, for instance, the New Zealander may struggle to bag an invite should the Moriarty clan gather in Swansea any time soon, with the omission of hard-hitting back-rower Ross being one of the Kiwi’s more perplexing calls.
The head coach might argue that lines have to be drawn somewhere and choices have to be made.
Such points are indisputable.
But they won’t do much to console those who have missed out.
Here’s a team of the best Welsh players we won’t be seeing in this Six Nations.
Johnny McNicholl (Scarlets)
Wayne Pivac’s first new cap as Wales coach has made more metres than anyone else in the United Rugby Championship and he’s come up with more offloads than any other regional player. He’s a playmaker who’s box office, but he's also surplus to requirements for this Six Nations.
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Keelan Giles (Ospreys)
Pretty much everyone who saw it will remember the way Justin Tipuric started and finished the Ospreys’ spectacular third try against Montpellier, but they shouldn’t forget Keelan Giles’ role in the touchdown, with the wing showing pace, the balance of a trapeze artist and the awareness and skill to kick across field for his captain to score. He’s been playing well all season, but, evidently, Wales need to see more. You can read here how they fixed Giles to become fitter and faster than ever before.
Joe Roberts (Scarlets)
He's looked the real deal out west: comfortable in heavy traffic, aware, skilful, elusive and physical. With Wales including three other young centres in Mason Grady, Joe Hawkins and Keiran Williams, along with George North and Nick Tompkins, there was no room for Roberts. He can console himself that his time will come.
Jonathan Davies (Scarlets)
A Wales stalwart during Gatland’s first stint in charge and he’s helped inspire an upturn in the Scarlets’ fortunes of late. It’s all a bit congested in the battle for midfield places, though, and Davies is going to need to hit a purple patch if he is to reclaim the jersey he held with such pride and distinction.
Ashton Hewitt (Dragons)
He has electric pace and he’s feisty and physical with it. That said, the Dragon probably needs a run of games and a few more tries to heighten his chances of a call. With Josh Adams, Louis-Rees Zammit, Alex Cuthbert and Rio Dyer in their squad, Wales are also not short on quality out wide.
Rhys Priestland (Cardiff)
While he’s far from in the spring of his career, he can still run a game as well as most, with the Cardiff player’s skill and thinking as sharp as ever. He’s had a fine career, but in this Six Nations he’ll have a watching brief.
Gareth Davies (Scarlets)
One slashing break last weekend turned the clock back several years when Davies seemed to make a couple of such interventions in every game. He looked lively in the 40 minutes he played against the Cheetahs, but the injury that had previously sidelined him came at the wrong time.
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Nicky Smith (Ospreys)
This is what happens when you’re the top-performing prop in regional rugby. Smith might have expected a reward for his efforts; it didn’t come.
Scott Baldwin (Ospreys)
Baldwin has featured in 11 out of 12 games for the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship this season, starting six of those, and he’s been playing well, hitting the target with his darts, tackling and scrummaging strongly and achieving turnovers. Wales captain Ken Owens plays at hooker, though, along with the immensely powerful Dewi Lake and the explosive Bradley Roberts.
WillGriff John (Scarlets)
The man who can reputedly bench-press entire gyms and then a bit more had started to hit his straps before an injury checked him once again. It’s not thought to be serious, but Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis and Leon Brown are the tight-head selections.
George Nott (Dragons)
Not many players steal four opposition lineout throws in one game. Nott did exactly that for the Dragons against Pau. He also piled up more tackles than any of his team-mates and made ground around the field. It was a ‘wow’ of a performance in so many respects. and nor was it the first time he’s starred this term. “I think he’s excellent,” was the considered view of one authority on Dragons matters. “He’s brilliant at the lineout.” Not excellent enough for Wales, though, even if he is one to keep an eye on.
Seb Davies (Cardiff)
He’s won 17 caps and has handling skills, athleticism, size and is respected as a lineout forward, yet he spends a lot of time out in the cold with Wales. Will Rowlands’ absence seemed to open a door at lock, only for Rhys Davies, Dafydd Jenkins and Teddy Williams to walk through it ahead of Seb Davies, joining Adam Beard and Alun Wyn Jones as Gatland’s boilerhouse operatives for the championship.
Ross Moriarty (Dragons)
Why has he been overlooked? Answers on a postcard, please.
Experience? Tick. Hard edge? Tick. Attitude? Tick. Industry? Tick. Moriarty has been on top of his game, too, and he’s not a player too many opponents relish playing against.
All a bit strange.
Taine Basham (Dragons)
This gent seems to bang in high numbers in every game — against Pau there were 14 carries, 23 metres made, 10 tackles and a turnover — and he is happy to do the graft as well as the Hollywood stuff. Wales’ embarrassment of openside riches has counted against him, though.
Morgan Morris (Ospreys)
Here's another likely lad, complete with his lethal ability to convert chances in the opposition red zone. Morris also carries with purpose, defends with attitude and is known as a team player, but Wales seem to have a blindspot over him.
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