But while the likes of Ross Moriarty, Tyler Morgan, Eli Walker and Dominic Day will be seeking to impress the Wales coach before he trims the party from 47 to 36 or 38 players after the weekend, James Hook will be another determined to put down his marker as he gets yet another chance to show his skills at No 10.
It is in and around the last half-dozen places that the real war will exist out at Carton House, where friendships will be put on hold, and at The Millennium Stadium on Saturday in the first of Ireland’s four warm-up internationals.
“In training, I couldn’t believe how good his footwork was”.
Gloucester flanker Moriarty is an under-20 World Cup victor with England but is available for Wales because he never played for England’s senior side or second XV.
And while the uncapped starting quartet have golden chances against Ireland to press their claims, the same applies to players like full-back Hallam Amos, prop Nicky Smith and number eight Dan Baker, who packs down in the back-row alongside Moriarty and Justin Tipuric.
“We have pushed the players right to the limit, and they have responded magnificently”.
Ireland start their warm-up schedule against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, with Easterby conceding Healy’s situation is being monitored “week to week”.
“He sort of indicated that they were probably going to do the same thing”.
The Scots and Welsh also visit the Aviva Stadium on August 15 and 29, before Joe Schmidt’s men complete their preparations with a trip to face England at Twickenham on September 5. But he is so vital to Wales – even more so than centre Jonathan Davies, whose absence from the tournament will be keenly felt – that they will consider selecting him in the 31-man squad even if he is not fully fit by the August 31 deadline.
It all represents a startling rise to the top for the 19-year-old Dragons tyro, who just 12 months ago was preparing for his first full season in regional rugby. They are aware this is a Test week and what that means.
“Then he proceeded to ask me what’s happening with the roof”. When they are holding and grabbing each other, you can tell there is a little bit of tension in the air.
“At the moment I am just trying to get on with things, do the analysis and training, but I think on Saturday I will be nervous and it will be interesting to see how I react on the day”, said Morgan.
“There was a cynical side of me that felt like saying we’re going to leave it open!” laughed Gatland.
“It is a great chance for him, particularly if Liam doesn’t come through from his injury”.
Morgan might be one of four débutantes who will start against Ireland, but he’s been earmarked for the highest level with Wales for some time.
