Wales’ Hopefuls Impress in World Cup Audition Against England
A group of promising Welsh players showcased their skills in a World Cup audition match against England as they aimed to prove their worth to head coach Warren Gatland. Cardiff props Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti, along with Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn, made their debuts from the start in the game.
These youngsters were not alone in their quest to secure a place in Wales’ World Cup squad. Two more players, Taine Plumtree and ex-England prop Henry Thomas, were also on the bench. Meanwhile, fly-half Sam Costelow had the opportunity to make his first international start.
Gatland currently has a squad of 48 players, which will eventually be reduced to 33 when he announces the final World Cup party in late August. Therefore, this game against England provided a vital platform for the hopefuls to impress and book their journey to France.
Both Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti have come through the ranks together, having played for the Rhondda Schools Under-16s team that won the Dewar Shield in 2012 at the Principality Stadium. With fellow Cardiff loose-head Rhys Carre released from the squad and British and Irish Lions player Wyn Jones not included, Domachowski has a genuine chance to secure a spot for the World Cup.
Assiratti, on the other hand, enjoyed a breakthrough season. He started playing for Cardiff RFC semi-professional side and eventually became the first-choice tight-head. Gatland praised their performances for Cardiff towards the end of the season, particularly their standout games against Sale and Ospreys.
Max Llewellyn, the son of former Wales lock Gareth, partnered with the towering George North in the midfield. Llewellyn’s physical presence and impressive performances for Cardiff this season put him in contention for a place in the squad. With other midfield options such as Nick Tompkins, Mason Grady, Joe Roberts, and Johnny Williams, the competition is fierce.
Warren Gatland recognized the importance of giving new caps the opportunity to play at home and decided to name the team a day early. The coach wanted to make the experience easier for the debutants, considering the presence of their family and friends in the crowd. Gatland emphasized the tough decisions he will face when selecting the final 33 players and highlighted the significance of this opportunity for the hopefuls.
Aside from the new caps, there were two more potential Wales debuts in this match. Former England prop Henry Thomas, who qualifies for Wales through his father, switched countries under the new World Rugby regulations. Another debutant, Swansea-born Taine Plumtree, joined the Wales squad after the July training camp in Switzerland. Plumtree, the son of former Swansea coach and All Blacks assistant John, adds further depth to the team.
Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow took center stage as he made his first start for Wales. Having previously made two replacement appearances, Costelow now had the chance to shine alongside scrum-half Gareth Davies. The talented fly-half’s ability to pass the ball effectively, run good lines, and exhibit solid defensive skills impressed Gatland. Costelow has been working on his kicking skills with Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins and has shown significant improvement.
The game against England served as a valuable opportunity for these aspiring Welsh players to make an impact and prove their worth to Warren Gatland. As the Welsh squad prepares for the World Cup, the competition for spots in the final 33 is intense. However, the new caps and potential debutants have demonstrated their caliber and potential, keeping the selection process difficult but exciting for the coaching staff.
