Wales
'Anscombe would add things to Wales'
ESPN Staff
January 3, 2015
Gareth Anscombe has made an impressive start to his Cardiff Blues career © Getty Images
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Cardiff Blues boss Mark Hammett has backed Gareth Anscombe to add an extra string to Wales' bow if he is given the chance in the Six Nations.

Anscombe joined the Blues from the Chiefs and made his regional debut against Edinburgh at the end of November. Since then Anscombe, who qualifies for Wales through his mother, has made a total of six starts and one substitute appearance for the Blues and following an impressive showing against the Dragons on New Year's Day, the clamour for Anscombe to be brought into the Wales set-up is growing.

Hammett says it is Warren Gatland's headache over whether Anscombe is fast-tracked into the Wales set-up but he has been impressed with how the fly-half has settled in since his move across the world.

"Gareth has fitted in really well and he's a sponge," Hammett told Wales Online. "He's the first guy on the training paddock and the last off it. He's continually looking to improve.

"That was only the fourth match he's started at 10 for us. He's still learning about his team-mates, the calibre we have and how he can direct things. Gareth can certainly spark a back-line, not just with his ability to run but with his fluent passing. I thought he controlled the game pretty well.

"He would add certain things to Wales but, luckily for me, 'Gats' [Gatland] can wrestle with that. I do chat with Gats but not on that."

When asked about his Wales prospects, Anscombe answered: "I have no idea. There's a few pretty good 10s there at the moment so there's a lot of competition, which I suppose is good for Welsh rugby. I will keep my head down, keep working hard and see where I end up."

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