It’s often too early. Sometimes, however, it might be a good idea to remain negative.
Wales lost to Ireland in Dublin 29-7 in the opening round. This was a terrible way to start its defense of the title it won against all odds last year.
Wales fans were more concerned about the performance than the result. They saw their team’s attack struggle against a wall made of green shirts, and their defense was cut open for four attempts.
Are Wales’ title hopes dead? No.
It’s clear that the Welsh would win another championship this year, given their injury situation and the fact that a Scotland team is headed to Cardiff buoyant from a victory over the Auld Enemy.
Wayne Pivac already sees the danger signs. The Wales coach would not have restructured his injury-prone back row if he hadn’t played one game. He also brought in a 22 year-old to make his senior debut.
Jac Morgan might be that great. The former Welsh under-20 captain is undoubtedly the best flanker in the Welsh domestic match. Opta stats provider Opta says he has made more tackles in United Rugby Championship (144) that any other player.
The Welsh should have the same aggression and physicality as Dubliners, with Ross Moriarty promoted from the reserves.
Morgan will face a baptism in fire against Scotland openside Hamish, who was last year the player of Six Nations. Watson is also a member the British and Irish Lions South Africa test team.
Pivac will be aware that there are still areas to improve — Wales did not threaten Ireland’s line until Taine Baham’s late consolation attempt — but it is just a matter of filling in the gaps with stars such as Alun Wyn, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau, Ken Owens, George North, and George North all out injured. Josh Adams (calf), a winger who played in centers against Ireland in an unsuccessful experiment, adds to the injury list.
The Welsh could lose to Scotland and the Six Nations, which could spell doom for their chances of winning. They must travel to England in Round 3, and France in Round 4, to claim the title.
The Welsh are not getting too downbeat yet.
Dewi lake, a hooker who was a substitute for Ireland’s debutant, said that “Things will never go perfectly.” It’s a combination five games. It’s how we bounceback this week, rather than dwelling on the weekend before.
There are always things you can pick up in every game. But that physicality, that edge is what we want to bring to this weekend.
Scotland won against England at Murrayfield in filthy conditions. Gregor Townsend’s players were able to match the expectations they had in recent seasons.
A big win on the road would make a statement and put the Scots in the frame for a chance at the title they have been chasing since 1999, when it was the Five Nations. While they did win their Six Nations match in Wales in Llanelli in 2020 without spectators, it was a different story to repeat that performance at the sold-out Principality Stadium. In Cardiff, Scotland hasn’t won in over 20 years.
Watson stated that although Wales has suffered some injuries, they are still a great team and are full of belief. They always get results when they need them.
Three of Scotland’s five changes were in the front row, while Jamie Ritchie, a flanker, was removed from the tournament following hamstring surgery.
Sione Tuipulotu made his debut test start in the midfield, the only change to the backs.
After replacing Johnny McNicholl, Alex Cuthbert, the Wales winger, will make his first Six Nations appearance since 2005. Cuthbert has returned to the fold after being ignored by his country during his three-seasons of playing club rugby in England with Exeter. Cuthbert has since been playing Welsh rugby for the Ospreys, and he was a part of the Wales team in the autumn.
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Lineups:
Wales: Liam Williams (captain), Alex Cuthbert; Owen Watkin; Nick Tompkins; Louis Rees–Zammit, Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams, Ross Moriarty and Jac Morgan. Reserves: Gareth Thomas Lake, Gareth Thomas Seb Davies Gareth Davies Gareth Davies Callum Sheedy Jonathan Davies
Scotland: Stuart Hogg (captain), Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Ali Price; Matt Fagerson, Hamish Watson, Sam Skinner, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, WP Nel, Pierre Schoeman, Stuart McInally. Reserves: George Turner. Rory Sutherland. Zander Fagerson. Magnus Bradbury. Rory Darge. Ben White. Blair Kinghorn. Cameron Redpath.
