Finally some positive news about injuries and a rare sight of a fit and healthy hooker from Wales.
Elliot Dee’s timely return from a long-term ankle problem will be welcomed by Gatland, who will be without Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias, Liam Belcher and Efan Daniel.
“It was great to see him on the pitch. He leads with a real competitive edge and has the mentality to perform at this level and the next,” said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia.
Sam Parry, who scored a try for the Ospreys on Saturday, is the most obvious choice on paper, but only if he can sort out his differences with Gatland after the match. leaving the camp in Wales last summer.
“Parry is a great set-piece hooker and whatever happened between them, they put it aside for the best in the team, especially considering the injuries,” Hook said.
Elias may yet be selected for the final stages of the tournament, as may Cardiff’s Evan Lloyd, despite his wayward Perpignan throw.
Gatland is also a doubt for the third man behind Henry Thomas and Keiron Assiratti.
Archie Griffin, Harri O’Connor and Sam Wainwright were all out and Leon Brown was forced into retirement, so could the coach recall Six Nations winner Dillon Lewis as he did on the summer tour?
