...By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
As Warren Gatland prepares to name his extended Wales World Cup training squad, Judgement Day presented a final opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a spot in the team.
The day saw Cardiff win the Welsh Shield and qualify for the Champions Cup, while the Dragons beat the Scarlets.
While Gatland will have the bulk of his squad pencilled in, there are a few spots up for grabs, and some players may have caught the coach’s eye.
Taine Basham, Dragons
Basham was a regular under Wayne Pivac but missed out on a place in Gatland’s Six Nations squad.
However, he impressed at Judgement Day, earning the man of the match award as the Dragons beat the in-form Scarlets side.
Basham’s explosive ball-carrying and relentless physicality in defence were key to thwarting the Scarlets’ attack, and he also won several turnovers at the breakdown.
With Josh Navidi retiring, Wales need a player who can play all three back-row positions, and Basham fits the bill.
Thomas Young, Cardiff
After a difficult few days for the Cardiff openside, Young responded with a sensational performance to help his team qualify for the Champions Cup.
A tremendous athlete, he scored a try from 45 metres and executed a deft kick up-field for Mason Grady’s try.
He gets through a lot of unseen work at the breakdown and is equally effective in an arm-wrestle or tight game.
While the back-row is undoubtedly Wales’ strongest position, Young is too good to ignore.
Elliot Dee, Dragons
The Dragons hooker has been overshadowed by others in the past two years, but at his best, he is a major proposition with his set-piece prowess and carrying game.
While he faces stiff competition for the red number two jersey from Ken Owens, Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias, Sam Parry, and Bradley Roberts, he did his chances no harm with a fine performance at Judgement Day.
Rhodri Williams, Dragons
Williams is one of the most consistent players on the regional scene, but despite being Mr Dependable, he has not been able to add to the three Wales caps he won back in 2013.
He played well against the Scarlets, scoring an early try, and his box-kicking and game management were a big plus point.
While he is a long shot for selection given the number of options at scrum-half, he wouldn’t let anybody down if chosen.
Josh Macleod, Scarlets
Macleod was a shining light in a poor team performance at Judgement Day, winning three penalties at the breakdown and making headway while remaining industrious in defence.
He would have won more than two caps if it wasn’t for injury and can cover the whole back-row.
While he faces competition from the likes of Young, Basham, and James Botham, it would be no surprise if he made the training squad.
Max Llewellyn, Cardiff
The 6ft 5in, 105kg centre was instrumental in Cardiff’s victory over the Ospreys, with his explosive carrying, subtle offloading game, and smart defensive reads standing out.
Although he has decided to cross the Severn Bridge to join Gloucester at the end of the season, Gatland has always favoured size in midfield, and Llewellyn has plenty of that.
While there is depth in midfield, Llewellyn fits the profile of player Gatland likes, and it’s likely that he will be named in the extended squad for summer training camps in Switzerland and Turkey.
Overall, Judgement Day provided some players with an opportunity to catch Gatland’s eye and stake their claim for
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