Wales Seek Tight-Head Prop Solution Ahead of Crucial Australia Clash
The Wales national rugby union team is grappling with the void left by Tomas Francis’ absence since the 2023 World Cup, as the experienced tight-head prop has moved to French club Provence. Head coach Warren Gatland is on the hunt for a long-term successor to fill this crucial position.
Injuries have further complicated the matter, with Henry Thomas, Leon Brown, and Keiron Assiratti ruled out of the summer schedule, while Dillon Lewis is not fit for the first Test against Australia. This paves the way for Bath’s Archie Griffin, who was born in Sydney but qualifies for Wales through his parents.
“It’s one position we’re probably the most exposed at. We just haven’t had a consistent tighthead who is playing week-in, week-out. The last one was probably Tomas Francis, but we need to get someone on the field and develop some experience.”
Gatland acknowledges the team’s vulnerability in this area, stating. The coach is hopeful that the explosive and technically excellent Griffin can seize this opportunity, despite the youngster’s injury setback during the Six Nations. Gatland knows that developing a world-class tight-head prop takes time, often not until the player is in their mid to late 20s.
Griffin will face a stern test against Australia’s most-capped player, James Slipper, who will be playing his 135th international match. Gatland is realistic about the challenges his young prop will encounter, saying:
“It’s a hard one. I don’t expect any front-rows or tight forwards to be any good until they’re 27, 28 or 29.”
With the Wallabies’ experienced tight-head Taniela Tupou likely to target the Welsh scrum, Gatland and his team have made it a priority to “tighten it up” this week. The coach acknowledges the learning curve ahead for Griffin but remains optimistic that the young prop can rise to the occasion.
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