Former Wales star Tom Shanklin has earmarked Cardiff centre Max Llewellyn as a potential bolter for Wayne Pivac's autumn squad.
The Wales coach will name his squad next week for the November Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia and Australia, the final autumn campaign before next year's World Cup in France.
While Pivac has handed out a fair number of caps during his reign, meaning there's not a swathe of untested talent waiting in the wings, there is the odd uncapped player who could be worth a look.
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And for Shanklin, that would be Llewellyn, who has started the season strongly at the Arms Park after a solid end to last year.
"I spoke about Max Llewellyn on the weekend," Premier Sport pundit Shanklin told WalesOnline. "I think he's justified a spot and I don't think anyone would be asking why he was there.
"The way he finished last season and the form he's shown this season has warranted a place. He is in good form.
"He looks good and we're unsure of what that centre partnership will be. George North will feature, but he's barely played in midfield this season.
"As a wing moving to centre, which I think is good for him, you need to be playing there most weeks. It'll be interesting to see what the combinations are.
"I think Johnny Williams would have featured but I don't think he'll be fit. Time is running out for him, so I think Max will make the squad."
Llewellyn isn't the only uncapped contender that Shanklin believes Pivac might take a look at. Keelan Giles and Sam Costelow have started the season strongly for the Ospreys and Scarlets respectively, and the two-time Grand Slam winner believes they could get a call-up next week.
"I think they might take a look at Keelan Giles as well," added Shanklin. "I know he's been in the squad before, but he's a winger on form who can finish tries off.
"The Ospreys are working that out and are looking to get it a bit wider rather than playing tight. If you want to get the best out of him, you need to get him the ball. Gareth Anscombe is key to that, although he's another one currently injured.
"There could be a chance for Jarrod Evans or Sam Costelow. I know Dan Biggar limped off for Northampton and Anscombe is injured.
"Jarrod's been in there before, while Sam hasn't. But if they're looking at a third-choice 10, maybe one of them can jump in."
Wales' injury issues - particularly at fly-half - could play a part in deciding what direction Pivac goes with his full-back selection. With Liam Williams injured, there could be a temptation to bring Leigh Halfpenny back into the fold.
However, having only just returned after 15 months out of the game, the experienced Halfpenny is arguably better served staying with the Scarlets. Shanklin believes the decision on whether Halfpenny is required could come down to who is playing 10.
"I think it depends if Biggar or Anscombe is fit," he said. "If you haven't got them, you probably need Halfpenny at full-back to be that high percentage goal-kicker.
"Selection at 10 will play a lot into that. If Anscombe isn't fit, Johnny McNicholl might be the next in line, but he's been playing on the wing.
"I know they want to look at Josh Adams there too, so he's an option as well."
Tom Shanklin is part of the Premier Sports team providing live and exclusive coverage of the two huge Welsh derbies this weekend and next. Tune in on Saturday (Oct 15) to see Cardiff Rugby battle the Dragons live from Cardiff Arms Park – with all the build-up and analysis from 4.45pm on Premier Sports 2. With back-to-back Welsh derbies taking centre stage in the BKT URC this month - Premier Sports will also show Dragons against the Ospreys live from Rodney Parade on Sunday 23 rd October kick off 3pm.
Premier Sports shows all 151 URC games throughout the season including the knock-out stages and Grand Final as well as top fixtures from France’s TOP 14 rugby every week. Find out more at www.premiersports.com. Rugby fans across the UK can tune into all of the live rugby action via the Premier Sports pack available from just £9.99 per month. Premier Sports is available on the platforms Sky, Virgin TV, the Premier Player and on Amazon Prime.
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