As Wales prepare for back-to-back Tests against Argentina, Walesonline have selected the players they expect to travel to Japan as part of the Wales squad, with only Cory Hill's consistently excellent form sufficient to have booked his place, but as many as ten Dragons in the frame.
The performances of Hill, Dee, Amos and Moriarty earned praise in an otherwise under impressive Wales win over South Africa in Washington last Saturday. However, the thought of the Dragons having so many Wales prospects is exciting for supporters looking forward to the new campaign.
With only George North and Ross Moriarty selected for this summer's Wales tour from Gatland's 2017 Lions squad, a number of fringe players have the opportunity to impress against Argentina, with the first Test this weekend.
In the back three Walesonline are picking Halfpenny, North and Liam Williams as certainties, whilst rating Hallam Amos as a strong contender and Aston Hewitt's prospects as an outside bet.
After a 2017/18 season blighted by injury Tyler Mogan's hopes are also only rated as an outside chance and following the impressive performance of Tomos Williams on debut against South Africa, Rhodri Williams who returns to Wales with the Dragons next season after featuring prominently in Bristol's promotion last year as well as for the Barbarians win against England ten days ago is given similar hope.
Up front Cory Hill who co-captains Wales this summer, and who was an ever present for Wales during the 2018 Six Nations as well as being selected in the team of the tournament is nailed on according to Walesonline after establishing his spot in the side and Gatland rated the former Pontypridd product as the most improved player in Welsh rugby.
In the front row, the rise of Elliot Dee is expected to continue with his performances for region and country making him a strong contender, but Leon Brown will be needing to show he can re-capture his form that earned him a Wales debut last November on his return to fitness next season.
The back row has been a hugely competitive area for Wales for a number of years and although Dragons' stellar signing for 2018/19 Ross Moriarty is expected to tour, Walesonline believe 23-year-old Ollie Griffiths and 20-year-old Aaron Wainwright still have an outside chance of making the cut too.
You can see all the Wales hopefuls in action for the Dragons with Season Membership now on general sale, giving you access to every regular season home game from less than £12 per match. CLICK HERE for more information about membership.
