-Credit:Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd
Gloucester boss George Skivington has expressed his surprise at the exclusion of Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn from Wales’ Six Nations squad, with the latter said to be shocked by the news.
Despite both backs playing a key role in Gloucester’s resurgence this season, they were not included in the 34-strong group announced by Wales head coach Warren Gatland for the campaign that begins against France in Paris on January 31.
Alongside Tomos Williams, Josh Hathaway and Freddie Thomas, Anscombe and Llewellyn have been instrumental in Gloucester’s success this season, which sees them just three points behind the Gallagher Premiership play-off places and on track to secure a spot in the last 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup. Their attacking style of play, epitomised by players like Llewellyn, who is currently joint top try-scorer in the Premiership this season, Anscombe and Wales scrum-half Williams, has won them many admirers.
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However, Anscombe and Llewellyn were left out, along with other notable absentees such as Cardiff full-back Cameron Winnett and Scarlets flanker Taine Plumtree.
“I was surprised. I had planned for both of them to be away (during the Six Nations),” said Skivington.
“They were both very disappointed yesterday. They have come in today positive, and they will control what they control, and that’s trying to put their best foot forward.
“Things change quickly, as we know. The door might open for them for one reason or another.
“Both of those lads are in good form for us, and I was definitely surprised to see it, but I understand when you are selecting a squad you do what you think is right.”
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Anscombe, with a substantial 38-cap Test career, has bounced back from severe injuries, and Llewellyn was anticipated to advance from his Autumn Nations Series appearances.
Skivington remarked on Anscombe’s resilience in the face of disappointment: “Gareth has seen the highs and lows of the game so many times that he is well-versed in a bit of disappointment and how quickly that can swing around and you can get what you want.”
Llewellyn, on the other hand, might be finding it tougher, as Skivington explained: “It is probably tougher for Max because he has worked extremely hard recently to put himself in the position.
“He is one of the top try-scorers in the Premiership, he is playing really well, he got all those minutes in the autumn and I think he was probably looking forward to using those lessons in the Six Nations, and obviously he is shocked not to be involved.”
However, despite the setback, Skivington recognises Llewellyn’s determination: “He is a strong character, he is disappointed, but he is going to do everything he can to get selected.”
Skivington mentioned he had not discussed the selections with Warren Gatland or any members of his coaching team: “I know all these guys from a long time ago, and I have had plenty of conversations with Warren over the years,” he said.
“The relationships are good, but I haven’t asked any questions or asked for anything. I have talked with Max and Gareth, and they have had their feedback individually from the coaches.
“Warren is a far more experienced coach than me and been around the block a lot longer. He is going to know very strongly the way he wants to play rugby and how he wants to do things.”
“International rugby is very different to Premiership rugby, and he is the most well-versed head coach in the Six Nations who knows international rugby.”