Warren Gatland has unveiled his Wales team to take on Italy in the Six Nations, with George North set to retire from international rugby. Here are our top five takeaways from the selections.George North, a Welsh rugby legend: The iconic player will play his final Test match this weekend, ending a remarkable international career that began in 2010. He burst onto the scene as a young winger with raw talent, drawing comparisons to rugby great Jonah Lomu. North's adaptability and hunger to improve set him apart, leading to a successful transition to the centres later in his career.
Warren Gatland's backtrack: The Wales coach has made changes to the team following their defeat to Ireland, bringing back experienced players in crucial positions. The lineup showcases the balance between youth and experience in an effort to secure a victory against Italy.Inexperienced replacements: Wales' squad continues to rely on young, inexperienced players, highlighting the team's lack of depth and experience. The bench features a significant drop in Test caps compared to the starting XV, posing challenges for Wales in a competitive tournament.
Front-row concerns: Despite having proven internationals in the front row, Wales faces challenges in that area against Italy. Concerns arise over the lack of experience among the replacements, necessitating a strong performance from the starting front row throughout the match.Succumbing to the unthinkable: With Wales potentially facing a winless campaign in the Six Nations, questions arise about the team's future and development.
The possibility of finishing last in the tournament under Gatland's leadership raises concerns about the direction of Welsh rugby and the need for change moving forward.