Every Wales Six Nations player ranked from Undroppable’s to Under-performers

Brutal defeats against England (48-7) and France (54-12) had Wales on the back-foot, but in their last outing against Scotland, albeit it was a narrow 26-23 loss, there were significant improvements.

They face Ireland and Italy in the coming weeks as Wales go on the hunt for their first win in the championship since March 2023. Here, we rank every Wales player on their performances so far.

. Aaron Wainwright

. Dafydd Jenkins

. Ben Carter

. Eddie James

To say Wales have slowly grown into the championship would be an understatement, but there have been a number of key individuals who’ve made notable impacts.

For example, Dragons’ Wainwright has been Wales’ standout performer in this year’s Six Nations.

In what began as a difficult campaign, the 28-year-old has been incredibly influential for his side for some time now. Sticking in the forwards, the strong second-row partnership of Dafydd Jenkins and Ben Carter should continue for the foreseeable future.

Both had their best Wales games against the Scots last Saturday at Principality Stadium, with some impressive work rate in their side’s defence.

The last undroppable we have given to Scarlets’ Eddie James. He had a quiet first-half against France, but has grown confidently into the tournament.

The big ball carrying centre has made strong carries, and more often than not, has got his side over the gain line in doing so.

. Rhys Carré

. James Botham

. Ellis Mee

. Alex Mann

. Sam Costelow

There have also been strong showings from others, but these five have some question marks that remain; their performances so far have been key to Tandy’s side's improvements.

Saracens’ Carré, who has started in his side’s last two games after sitting on the bench at Allianz Stadium, has been decent for his struggling side. As expected, he has made some strong carries, which have earned him two tries.

Still, his fitness at the moment has an asterisk next to it, but he’s making an impact. Cardiff Rugby’s Botham, who played his first game of the tournament against Scotland last weekend, put himself straight into the hat for selection to face Ireland.

All-round top performance and was one of the main protagonists in Tandy’s finest performance of his era. Mee has also been a great contributor to Wales in the Six Nations.

Aerially, he has been outstanding, particularly pressuring Louie Bielle-Biarrey in the air, perhaps the only positive against ‘Les Bleus’. The Scarlets player should be back involved in the starting XV picture following an underwhelming debut by Gabriel Hamer-Webb.

Mann, like Wainwright, has been outstanding in Wales’ back row. Superb around the breakdown area, at times a complete nuisance to the opposition.

It’s also a real shame to see that Costelow will play no further matches in the tournament, following limping off last Saturday, but there does seem to be a glimmer of hope that he could return. He looked magnificent on his international return.

. Louis Rees-Zammit

. Dewi Lake

. Joe Hawkins

. Olly Cracknell

. Mason Grady

Despite being winless, there have been some solid outings for Rees-Zammit, Lake, Hawkins, Cracknell, and Grady. Bristol Bears’ Rees-Zammit, back playing at fullback internationally, has grown into the position and is starting to get more involved in matches.

The impact whenever he makes an attempted line-break has an impact on his side and also those in attendance. Lake has shone particularly when it comes to his arrows at line-out time. It’s been an area of weakness for the Welsh National side for some time.

The forgotten tap penalty at Twickenham now seems a distant memory. After replacing Ben Thomas at inside-centre, Hawkins’ sharpness in his attacks has been a personal highlight.

Sporting a shiner following Wales’ clash against France, with club teammate James on his outside, he’s looking a formidable prospect.

For both Cracknell and Grady, when brought in or called upon from the bench, the pair have had a serious impact on matches. Strong carrying game, and Grady is pushing Cardiff Rugby’s Josh Adams for a spot in the starting XV.

. Tomas Francis

. Nicky Smith

. Ryan Elias

. Josh Adams

It’s been an interesting opening three rounds for the four selected here. In the front row, both Smith and Francis have offered strength at scrum time and are clearly showcasing an incredible work rate.

The biggest letdown here for Smith is the yellow card against England, but apart from that, he’s making that loose-head position mightily competitive.

Elias’s presence in his side's defence and attack, with his strong ball-carrying ability, has helped Tandy’s side later in the contest. After making his return to the international scene, he’s putting in performances worthy of the starting jersey.

Adams could count himself rather fortunate to be still involved in the Welsh set-up. But he proved his worth against Scotland. This came after some great intelligence that helped stop the visitors’ dominant attack.

Has scored twice in the championship so far and has, in many ways, silenced any of his naysayers in doing so.

. Tomos Williams

. Archie Griffin

. Gabriel Hamer-Webb

. Dan Edwards

. Ben Thomas

. Adam Beard

To say expectations were higher for all six here in the underperforming category would be an understatement.

Williams’s usual great rugby IQ, and intelligent kicking and footwork have been nowhere near the standard expected of a British and Irish Lions star.

He needs to do better. Fellow Gallagher Prem players in Griffin and Hamer-Webb have to be as well, as the pair have made little to no impact on matches.

After showing so much promise in the autumn, Edwards' international form has drastically spiralled downwards. He’ll be Wales outside-half for the remainder of the tournament, but needs to reach the heights of the autumn, otherwise his place will definitely be taken.

Thomas and Beard have had their fair share of international outings, but their appearances have been forgettable ones.

Brutal errors, which have proven costly to their side. Highly unlikely that both will be involved again in the championship.

. Kieran Hardy

. Jarrod Evans

. Harri Deaves

. Taine Plumtree

. Josh Macleod

. Liam Belcher

. Blair Murray

. Freddie Thomas

All the names in the final category have only been given a few minutes in the opening three games. None have made cases in their short performances to get into the starting XV.

Tandy is unlikely to make many changes moving forward, and in doing so, they will likely act as spectators for much of the remainder of the tournament.