There's a school of thought Wales don't have the required strength in depth to compete with the best.
Whilst it is true they are short in more than one position, perhaps it's not quite as bad as some suggest. They could still boast a more than handy XV of Wales stars not even included in Warren Gatland's Rugby World Cup training camp of 50.
The likes of Rhys Patchell and forgotten Bristol Bears playmaker Callum Sheedy have proven they can hold their own at Test level, while the experienced Jonathan Davies, and the ineligible Joe Hawkins could form a strong midfield partnership.
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Johnny McNicholl has been among the form players in Wales this season, and one can't help but feel the Scarlets star could have brought some spark and creativity to Gatland's backline.
McNicholl is joined in the back-three by his Scarlets teammate Ryan Conbeer who has been in excellent form at regional level. The 24-year-old is a top class finisher with good pace and is also an explosive carrier.
Dragons number nine Rhodri Williams gets the nod as a reward for his excellent regional form with his game management a big plus point.
Elsewhere, a front-row of Wyn Jones, Sam Parry, or possibly Bradley Roberts, and Samson Lee is an international standard scrummaging unit while Wales would have loved to see Jake Ball make himself available again.
Second-row is a weakness for Wales in general but George Nott has been putting in the hard yards for the Dragons this season. He may not be the flashiest of locks but he doesn't shy away from the unseen donkey work, while he brings a physical presence around the park.
Ross Moriarty making himself unavailable was a blow to Gatland given his abrasive nature, and the fact he offers a different skillset to all the others selected.
Thomas Young is arguably the unluckiest player in Wales, and has made more turnovers than any other player in the United Rugby Championship this season, while is as good as you'll find in the wide channels.
Quite what Morgan Morris needs to do to get a chance for Wales remains a mystery. The Ospreys man is a dynamic carrier who is good in the tight and the wide channels.
Alternative Wales XV: Rhys Patchell; Johnny McNicholl, Jonathan Davies, Joe Hawkins, Ryan Conbeer; Callum Sheedy, Rhodri Williams; Wyn Jones, Sam Parry, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, George Nott, Ross Moriarty, Thomas Young, Morgan Morris.
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