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Dragons star hopes star-studded Baa Baas clash ignites World Cup bid with Wales

Aaron Wainwright on the charge for Wales against Australia at the 2019 World Cup <i>(Image: PA)</i>
Aaron Wainwright on the charge for Wales against Australia at the 2019 World Cup (Image: PA)

AARON Wainwright hopes a high-octane game at Twickenham will provide the perfect launchpad for his bid for a second World Cup.

The Dragons forward starts at blindside flanker for the Barbarians against a World XV in London on Sunday (kick-off 2pm) before linking up with Wales.

The 25-year-old from Bassaleg made his Baa Baas debut against an All Blacks XV at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last November after being overlooked by Wayne Pivac for the autumn internationals.

A change at the top, with Warren Gatland returning as head coach, led to the Dragons man being brought back for the Six Nations and he started in the finale against France.

He was named in the first World Cup training squad and will head into camp next week after featuring at Twickenham.

The scrap for spots at France 2023 remains intense despite the shock retirement of Justin Tipuric with Wainwright up against fellow back row specialists Taine Basham, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Josh Macleod, Jac Morgan and Tommy Reffell.

“I was happy to get my chance to play against France and I think that I played well, then Judgement Day with the Dragons [beating the Scarlets] was a big highlight of the year for me,” said Wainwright.

“After being named in the World Cup training squad I’ll look to keep pushing on and stay in a positive mindset. I’ll go into the camp looking to put my best foot forward because places are obviously up for grabs.”

South Wales Argus: Aaron Wainwright charges through for a try in Wales' World Cup quarter-final win against France in 2019
South Wales Argus: Aaron Wainwright charges through for a try in Wales' World Cup quarter-final win against France in 2019

Aaron Wainwright charges through for a try in Wales' World Cup quarter-final win against France in 2019 (Image: PA)

Wainwright enjoyed a rapid rise to become a key figure at the last tournament under Gatland, scoring in the quarter-final win against France.

“It’s an exciting prospect after how well we did in 2019 and we are definitely hoping to go one or two steps further,” he said.

“With this World Cup, it’s the mental edge that Gatland brings and making sure everyone is in the right mindset, focused on the end goal. That excites me and I am looking forward to getting started.”

Wainwright is up against top talent for a World Cup spot but boasts versatility and dynamism as his point of difference.

He starts at blindside this weekend, where he played in Paris, but featured at number eight at the end of the campaign for the Dragons.

“I have started to prefer playing number eight of late because I feel I can get my hands on the ball a lot more and that work is definitely a strength of my game,” said Wainwright.

“I do like playing six as well where there is a bit more of a set piece focus, but that’s something that I enjoy as well. I will play wherever I can fit in – I’m happy to play 6 or 8.”

South Wales Argus: Dragons back rower Aaron Wainwright
South Wales Argus: Dragons back rower Aaron Wainwright

Dragons back rower Aaron Wainwright (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

His footwork and ability in the wide channels should be on display at Twickenham with both sides keen to play expansive rugby, but Wainwright insists it won’t just be a game of touch.

“There are so many high profile players and incredibly talented people in terms of staff and coaches, and because of that you don't really need that much of a plan or routine through the days,” he said.

“Just give the boys a chance to implement what they think could work or bring their own ideas and then let that flourish. That’s the beauty of it.

“When you see the teams lined up against each other there are some incredibly high profile players playing so I am just excited to be involved.

“It’s not going to be an easy game or something that we will be taking lightly. Even though the week may been a little bit relaxed both teams will want to win the game.”