My review of the Wales squads performances continues here.

Ross Moriarty- Has been playing back in his favoured position of blindside flanker this year and it is no coincidence that he has played his best Rugby for a few years for Wales. He has managed to stay healthy and is looking to continue to perform in his usual physical manner. It is not clear where Moriarty will be playing his club rugby next year with the rumours stating it is between Exeter and Ospreys. A move to Devon would see Moriarty forgo international selection which would be a shame.

Johnny McNicholl- He qualified for Wales on residency grounds in November and made his first appearance against the Barbarians in an uncapped game. He has featured in the four tests Wales played this year and has not looked comfortable at Test level. He has had lapses in defence, notably against France when he was smashed away when defending the 5 metre channel from a lineout. He still had time to adapt to international rugby but will face stiff competition from the other wingers.

Josh Navidi- Ignored for so long by Warren Garland the Brynteg boy is now a key man for Wales. He came into the new year carrying a hamstring injury and missed the first three games. He hit the ground running against England and used his dynamic strength in defence and attack. He is a fantastic player who can cover the entire back row but he blends in well at 8.

George North- Named at 13 in the Italy game where he crossed the line with an assist from Alun Wyn Jones. Since then it has not gone to plan for North. A poor game against Ireland and then another concussion in the early stages against France have seen North receive a lot of online critiscm. He returned with a bang against England and caused threats down his wing frequently, he was hit high when being tackled and was denied a try. No one seems to have the sense to think that North is now a marked man in attack and this makes it incredibly difficult for him to have the same impact he did when he burst onto the scene.
Ken Owens- Alun Wyn Jones chief liuetenant on the field, one would bet Owens has never taken a backward step in his life. Owens has toiled as per usual throughout the four games but seems to be in need of a rest, he’s 33 now and could benefit from his game time being managed to squeeze as much juice out of his career as possible.
Hadleigh Parkes- He has started every game since the world cup, another who has played a lot of Rugby in the last 12 months. Parkes has not been as sharp an attacking tool as he has been in the past and it seems that the Welsh rugby public would like to see Wayne Pivac use some of his other centre options. Still a good squad option and with some rest he could return to his best.

Louis Rees Zammit- Already a top class finisher at the age of 19, but Pivac has identified the areas he needs to work on to be ready for international rugby. By all accounts he is working hard on these aspects of his game and him continuing to feature regularly for Gloucester will help no end. He will win his first cap in the next 12 months if he stays fit and rugby resumes soon.
Will Rowlands- Part of the Second Row merry go round this year. Rowlands made a big impact off the bench against France and was set to win a second cap against scotland. Set to be a part of pivacs plans for the long term.

‘The most improved player out of anyone in the Wasps Squad.’

Lawrence Dallaglio comments on the form of Will Rowlands during a game he was covering for BT sport.

Aaron Shingler- Appeared in the wide channels against England but seemed to suffer another injury which impacted on his performance. He was a vital player for Wayne Pivac at the Scarlets and Pivac will want to keep in the squad, needs some kick on the injury front.
Justin Tipuric- When the back row was finally balanced by Josh Navidi returning, he produced a trademark performance against England where he scored twice, the first being one of the best Welsh tries ever. Recently resigned with the Ospreys which is huge for the region, tipuric still has a place in any best openside in the world conversation.

Nick Tompkins- A coup for Wayne Pivac who called him up on the basis of his Wrexham born grandmother, Tompkins had represented England at Under 20 and Saxon level but had never been called up by Eddie Jones. Tompkins had a dream debut against Italy but came down to ground with a bump against Ireland. But he fought back and played well against France before he tormented England at Twickenham. Tompkins is the future of the Welsh midfield, his passing is elite and he has pace and strengh. I would like to see him playing 12 with either Owen Watkin or a fit again Jonathan Davies. Due to join the Blues on loan next season.