Anscombe will fight for Wales' No.10 jersey
JUNE TEST SPOTLIGHT: With Dan Biggar fallen by the wayside, Warren Gatland has the massive task of finding a new flyhalf with the World Cup 15 months away.
Dan Biggar has been Wales’ the first-choice flyhalf since 2014, however, an injury in 2018 forced head coach Warren Gatland to rely on the likes of Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Patchell during the recent Six Nations campaign.
Anscombe, who played an integral role in Wales’ first ever victory over the Springboks on foreign soil last Saturday, has made no secret of his desire to become Wales’ first choice flyhalf at the 2019 World Cup.
And the 27-year-old is keen to use the two-Test Series in Argentina as a perfect platform to put his best foot forward, especially with the threat posed by regional rival Scarlets 10 Rhys Patchell.
“There is an opportunity for myself and Patch [Rhys Patchell] too,” Anscombe said.
“There are a couple of Tests to go and every time you get a chance to start at this level it’s an exciting one.
“I hope I can build on this because I’ve only had a couple of starts now. I’ve enjoyed them and I’m looking forward to getting a chance in Argentina now.
“I’ve got to put my best foot forward and with a few guys absent it’s an opportunity for those of us who have maybe played more rugby to step up and lead. We’ve got an exciting outfit and I’m enjoying being a part of it,”
Aside from the internal fight for World Cup no.10 jersey, Anscombe is fully aware of the challenge the Los Pumas will pose this weekend.
“The big thing for us is we’re one from one and we’ve talked about winning three games on the bounce,” said Anscombe
“We’re definitely capable of doing that. We will take confidence from our win against South Africa.
“I’ve played Argentina once at age group level and they’re a passionate bunch. All you have to do is look at the way the Jaguares have been going in Super Rugby.
“They’ve been on a roll, they’re having their best season so far, so they’ll be very excited for this series. They’re a group who have been together for a while and we’ve certainly got our work cut out.
“I don’t want to take anything away from South Africa, but they were a bit like us in that they had limited preparation and were missing a few guys. It will be very different in Argentina in their house,”
Source: @WelshRugbyUnion
