Gareth Anscombe keen on Wales World Cup spot
Sunday 9 August 2015 14:56, UK
Gareth Anscombe is determined to keep himself firmly in contention for a spot in the Wales World Cup squad after making his Test debut at the Millennium Stadium.
The fly-half was born in New Zealand but his mother is from Cardiff and he featured for most of the second period as a substitute in Wales' 35-21 World Cup warm-up defeat against Ireland.
He looked more assured in the role than the man he replaced - Gloucester's 74 times-capped James Hook - and is eager to stay in the selection spotlight as head coach Warren Gatland prepares to make his first training squad cut following a three-day camp in north Wales this week.
"It was a special moment for me and my family, who were in the stadium," Anscombe said. "It was nice to have them in the crowd.
"When I came here this was a goal of mine and to have it ticked off is a nice accomplishment. It was a proud moment to run out, and it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
"Once you have a taste, you want more, and we all know what the end-goal is. I would love to be a part of it.
"I warmed up with the team in the Six Nations, but I didn't quite get to be a part of the match-day 23, so it was great to finally do that and I enjoyed the 30 minutes I got."
Anscombe's versatility as a fly-half and full-back could prove to be an important factor in the final World Cup selection reckoning with Gatland set to announce his tournament squad on August 31.
The 24-year-old was among a small group of Welsh players who potentially enhanced their claims during a game that Ireland dominated throughout, with his half-back partnership with Cardiff Blues colleague Lloyd Williams being central to an improved second-half display by the hosts.
"You can never be fully confident, and there are a lot of 10s and 15s," Anscombe added. "There are a lot of talented players, and some good backs are going to miss out.
"You just have to keep training hard and take your opportunities on the field. I've got to survive the first cut and north Wales is another chance to showcase your skills.
"I am feeling a lot more comfortable in the squad. The Six Nations was more of a training role for me and getting a taste of things and an understanding of what the coaches want.
"I am still learning from Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland and guys who have been around the environment, and there is a still a lot to improve on, but it was nice to get a taste.
"Being a 10, playing in a different playing environment, it took me a bit of time to get used to the way that things are done over here. I feel I am getting a better grasp of that, and hopefully in time I can develop into a leader and take a few opportunities."
