Webb's sudden Six Nations eligibility has sparked lively Welsh scrum-half debate

Wales coach Wayne Pivac has been handed a major boost ahead of the Six Nations, as Ospreys-bound Rhys Webb will be eligible to play in the Six Nations. 

The scrum-half has been in international exile since December 2017 after joining Toulon, which meant he could not represent his country as he didn’t have the requisite 60 caps. 

But the recent announcement that he is set to rejoin the Ospreys ahead of next season has thrown him back into the Test reckoning. 

This has opened up a debate as to who will be the favoured nines come the Six Nations. Unlike some other positions, Wales do not have an injury crisis at scrum-half, meaning Pivac will have the luxury of being able to pick his two best options going into the opening match against Italy should he choose to. 

Webb will give the Kiwi more options, as he was first choice scrum-half before his move to France, but Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies remain popular options amongst Welsh supporters. 

Don’t really thing he’s needed with Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies?

— Joe Delve??????? (@Jdelve3) January 3, 2020

I’d pick him in initial squad to reintegrate him but select Davies and Williams for Matchday XXIII

— Goony#2 (@Neil36314107) January 3, 2020

Warren Gatland opted to take Gareth Davies, Williams and Aled Davies to the recent World Cup in the absence of Webb, with Gareth Davies and Williams being the favoured options in the matchday 23. 

Both scrum-halves had decent RWCs, and while Gareth Davies largely started, Williams proved to be a handful from the bench. 

https://twitter.com/RossLlew10/status/1213052900114608128?s=20

But seriously, would he make the matchday? I'd put him 4th or so in the pecking order.

— sh1n0bi-1 (@GwYd10n) January 3, 2020

At the age of 25, Cardiff Blues half-back Williams seems to be a popular choice as all teams head into a new RWC cycle. However, the spot on the bench seems to be far more contentious, as there is a split as to whether it should be occupied by Gareth Davies or Webb. 

https://twitter.com/GafroJake/status/1213050937918590978?s=20

https://twitter.com/hccdolphin/status/1213058441780121601?s=20

Webb, Williams, Davies, in that order.

— Alex (@alex_street3) January 3, 2020

Have to drop aled Davies. Tomos William's starts for me then it's a toss up between Webb and davies, maybe for the Italy match you give Webb minutes to get him back into the international fold

— Chris Holloway (@ChrisHolloway03) January 3, 2020

A point that has been raised is that Webb is now 31 and will be 34 come the next RWC, which is perhaps a reason why Pivac should turn to a more youthful option as he looks to the future. 

Then again, there is nothing to suggest that Webb will still not be competing for a Wales jersey then. Moreover, Gareth Davies will also be 33 come next RWC. 

The 2020 Six Nations was always going to be compelling for Wales, as it is the beginning of a new era after Gatland’s twelve-year reign, but this scrum-half battle has added another nuance to the tournament. 

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