Gatland unveils his Autumn squad.

Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland yesterday announced his squad to face New Zealand, Samoa, Argentina and Australia.

The most notable aspect is that Wales lack a specialist Fullback, Barry Davies did not make the cut despite playing well for the Ospreys. This leaves either Leigh Halfpenny or utility back James Hook to replace the injured Lee Byrne at Fullback.

This is not helping Hooks legacy of wanting to be a Fly Half, he has played at ten twelve and fifteen in the last few months, and should be used as the utility player he is. In my opinion he should be grateful that he can specialise in multiple positions it has enhanced his international selection. Davies missed the cut because Hook can cover Fullback, Centre and FlyHalf.

There is no place for Deacon Manu after hot media attention by being eligible for selection through residency in Wales. Ian Gough was also left out, his explusion surprises me, this season he has been used as a ‘super-sub’ for the Ospreys. When he has come onto the field he has made a real impact into the game as he has added weight to the Ospreys scrum.

It seems though that life after injured Adam Jones is hard. Gatland has taken a risk and selected two Hookers and only four props within his 29 man squad. Gethin Jenkins will probably have to swap to tight head if necessary, I can see him having to do this against the All Blacks.

The squad selection sees Ryan Jones regaining the Welsh captaincy, it had been a hot topic of debate, with Alun Wyn Jones and Martyn Williams also in contention. The return of Jones as captain I feel is the right decision, watching his performances over the last month for the Ospreys has justified his role, he has carried the ball into contact well and he is back to the world class material he was two years ago.

Martyn Williams made a spectacular return in Cardiff on Saturday with a fantastic break down the wing to set up a try for Gareth Cooper. The one thing that falls on my head is yes, Williams made a fantastic return at club level, but after being injured with a shoulder injury since the Lions Tour, is he international fit?

I do not doubt his ability, just we have seen in the past what can happen to players who make their comebacks at the highest level, and an international “friendly” against New Zealand is pretty high.

The loss of Mike Phillips is a huge blow for Wales although experienced scrum halfs are at hand with Gareth Cooper likely to start against the all blacks ahead of Martin Roberts and Dwayne Peel.

Peel is currently in a player release row as this fixture falls out of the International window, therefore his club Sale Sharks are not obliged to release him for duty.

The following question still remains though, is this Welsh squad capable of beating the All Blacks?
Pick your starting 15.

Personally I would have:

Duncan Jones
Matthew Rees
Gethin Jenkins
Alun Wyn Jones
Bradley Davies
Dafyyd Jones
Martyn Williams
Ryan Jones ©
Gareth Cooper
Stephen Jones
Leigh Halfpenny
Tom Shanklin
Jamie Roberts
Shane Williams
James Hook

Warren Gatland’s 29 man squad:

Backs: Dan Biggar, James Hook, Shane Williams (Ospreys); Gareth Cooper, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Tom James, Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Martin Roberts, Stephen Jones, Jonathan Davies, Mark Jones (Scarlets); Dwayne Peel (Sale).
Forwards: Paul James, Duncan Jones, Craig Mitchell, Huw Bennett, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones (capt), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys); Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Andy Powell, Sam Warburton, Martyn Williams (Blues); Matthew Rees, Dafydd Jones (Scarlets); Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate (Dragons).