When new interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt held court with the Welsh press yesterday, he was asked whether extra players would be added to his Six Nations squad.
Sherratt's reply was that he had only just been offered the job and hadn't had enough time to think about it in depth. But, over the next few days, the temporary Wales boss will undoubtedly consider what players can be added to the squad to not only improve performances but suit his brand of rugby.
Here are some potential options Sherratt could look to add over the coming days.
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Gareth Anscombe
You don't need to possess the IQ of a rocket scientist to work out Wales struggled to control the game in Rome. Ben Thomas is a very talented footballer but struggled with his kicking game and given he plays the vast majority of his rugby at inside centre for Cardiff, it seems very likely Sherratt will move him back to the number 12 shirt.
With the wind and the rain having an adverse effect on the quality of rugby in Rome, Wales really could have done with an experienced general at 10. Outside-half is one position where Wales have been lacking in experience and this is something Anscombe has in abundance.
It is also worth noting that Anscombe has a very good relationship with Sherratt having worked with the new Wales boss at both Cardiff and the Ospreys. Anscombe's experience, game management and his ability to put people into space makes him a prime contender for a call-up.
Dewi Lake
The Ospreys hooker has been sidelined of late with a bicep injury and as a result has been absent for the first two rounds of the championship. Lake was Wales' captain in the autumn and is one of the only Welsh players with a realistic chance of touring with the British & Irish Lions to Australia this summer.
The talk is Lake is recovering well and, if he is passed fit to play, it is very likely the 25-year-old will be added to the squad. Wales have struggled badly upfront but Lake is one forward capable of winning the collisions against the better teams and make significant post contact metres.
Wales needs him back.
Jarrod Evans
Neither Gatland or Wayne Pivac were convinced in Evans' ability as a Test player. Both coaches had reservations about his game management and his kicking out of hand.
But Evans is an excellent attacking playmaker with a dangerous running game while his vision and silky passing game can bring others into the game. The 28-year-old is currently Marcus Smith's understudy at Harlequins, but has still enjoyed plenty of game time and has impressed when on the field.
Sherratt and Evans have always had a great relationship going back to his time at Cardiff. Evans is exactly the type of attack minded number 10 who is perhaps better suited to Sherratt's way of playing.
Test rugby is clearly a big step up from the club game and there will be less space for Evans to operate in but it could work with Ben Thomas at inside centre for his kicking game. Contrary to popular belief, Evans is not tied to the controversial 25-cap law so is available for selection.
Max Llewellyn
The 26-year-old's omission from the initial Six Nations squad was met with disbelief in some quarters. Llewellyn started all three of Wales' autumn internationals and has been in red hot form for Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership.
The former Cardiff centre is the joint second top try scorer in the English Premiership while he can play both wing and centre. Wales have lacked penetration behind the scrum and Llewellyn is someone who has the potential to get over the gainline.
Sherratt has also previously worked with Llewellyn and knows how to get the best out of the powerful centre. With Owen Watkin ruled out for the remainder of the Six Nations, Llewellyn seems like a logical replacement.
The only thing which could potentially go against him is the fact he plays in England so would have to return to Gloucester on the fallow weekends - but Wales could do with his size and power.
Cameron Winnett
The 22-year-old made his Test debut a year ago and despite holding his own was left out of Gatland's Six Nations squad. But Winnett has been playing well for Cardiff and is a player Sherratt knows inside out.
Experienced full-back Liam Williams pulled out of the Italy game with a swollen knee and it is unclear how bad the injury was. Scarlets speedster Blair Murray was one of the better players in Rome but might be better suited to the wing.
If Williams' injury is more serious than expected, then Winnett would be the logical choice to bring into the squad for the remainder of the Six Nations.
