Warren Gatland’s problem in his first two World Cups with Wales has been filling the final places in his squad. The coach has had to add players to make up the quota but with little more than a year to go before the tournament in Japan, his dilemma is likely to be who to leave out. No position better sums up the strength in depth he now enjoys than openside flanker.
A few years ago the retirement of Sam Warburton would have left Gatland clutching his prayer book, but although the 29-year-old’s leadership and calm practicality will need replacing, there are numerous options. It is as if the conveyor belt that used to churn out fly-halves in south Wales has been reconfigured to mass produce breakaways.
Written by Paul Rees
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/31/ellis-jenkins-learning-from-sam-warburton-wales-squad-cardiff-blues under the title “Ellis Jenkins: ‘It will ultimately come down to who is playing the best’”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
