Thousands of Welsh rugby fans have had their say and delivered their verdict on the best Wales XV at Wayne Pivac’s disposal for the Six Nations.
More than 12,000 of you, in fact, who took part in our survey.
Wales’ Six Nations campaign kicks off this Sunday – February 7 – against Ireland at the Principality Stadium, and Pivac’s squad will be bidding to improve on their fifth-placed finish in the 2020 edition.
Before Pivac officially announces his side on Friday, we wanted to hear from you – the most passionate fans in the world – to find out what you think the best team is.
Liam Williams and Josh Adams made your strongest Wales XV when everyone is available, but with them suspended we’ve included the second choice players in their positions in the fans’ side to face Ireland.
Here it is.
15. Leigh Halfpenny
Although Williams was first choice here, Halfpenny still polled 45% of the vote and is all but certain to start against the Irish. The popular full-back was one of Wales’ better players in the autumn and never lets anyone down.
14. George North
An option in the centre, North – in fine form for the Ospreys of late – pulled in 37% of the vote to start on the wing.
13. Jonathan Davies
Lions and Wales centre Jonathan Davies attracted 57% of the vote, although there are whispers he might be injured. We will find out when Pivac names his side on Friday.
12. Johnny Williams
If the fans had their way Johnny Williams (52%) is comfortably first-choice at inside centre.
11. Louis Rees-Zammit
Josh Adams was the first choice here with 46% of the vote but his suspension means youngster Louis Rees-Zammit – who polled in second place – gets the fans’ nod. He polled 34% and could yet prove to be one of the stars of the tournament.
10. Dan Biggar
Pivac’s three selected fly-halves – Dan Biggar, Jarrod Evans and Callum Sheedy – all offer a different playing style, but fans have opted for trusted Biggar to start (53%), followed by Evans with 30% of the vote.
9. Tomos Williams
Almost two thirds want Cardiff Blue Williams to start, while 36% backed Gareth Davies.
1. Wyn Jones
Not much competition for this jersey: 84% of you want Wyn Jones.
2. Ken Owens
Same story, only an even bigger margin: The Sherriff grabs 91% of the vote.
3. Tomas Francis
Exeter Chiefs’ Francis, who’s heading to the Ospreys next season, pulled in 89% of the vote.
4. Jake Ball
The Australia-bound Wales international is worth his weight in gold and he’s been given the nod for his swansong before heading Down Under at the end of the season.
5. Alun Wyn Jones
Little to say here. Of course the captain starts.
6. Josh Navidi
Not too much separating the starters here, but Josh Navidi just edges it (49.75%) with Dan Lydiate not too far behind (42%).
7. Justin Tipuric
He claimed 92% of the vote. Enough said.
8. Taulupe Faletau
Finally, Faletau pulled in 87% of the votes in the fans’ best Wales XV for the Six Nations.
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Pivac’s Wales side travel to Murrayfield to face Scotland in round two, before hosting England in Cardiff in round three.
Round four will see the men in red travel to Rome, before a visit to Paris to face Les Bleus finishes off the tournament.
Wales v France is earmarked as the finale on Super Saturday (March 20).
-- to www.walesonline.co.uk
