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Jamie Roberts' message to Wales' Lions hopefuls as he names six in the picture
Jamie Roberts has offered a message of hope to Wales' Lions hopefuls as they head into an international season that culminates with a British and Irish tour of Australia.
Roberts knows only too well about touring with the best of Britain and Ireland, having been player of the series in South Africa in 2009 before playing his part in a series win in Australia four years later.
In the autumn of 2008, the then 21-year-old Roberts headed into the season with just three caps to his name - with just one of those in the position that he would make his own; inside centre.
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However, that autumn saw him - alongside Andy Powell and Leigh Halfpenny - start a run of performances that would see all three tour South Africa with Sir Ian McGeechan's Lions the following year.
"I speak from experience when I say you wouldn't think you're in the mix," said TNT Sports pundit Roberts. "There's a couple of young players who will know the carrot is at the end of the season.
"They won't need anyone to tell them. That's why I hope Warren (Gatland) gives these guys the opportunity. Guys who are on form, who deserve the jersey. Go and play.
"If you play well, you keep the jersey. All you need is a bit of momentum, then you come into the conversation. As I said, this thing isn't done alone. It's about being part of a good Wales side, playing well as a unit and winning. I'm really optimistic about November."
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Of course, Wales are in the midst of a lengthy losing run, having not tasted victory at Test level in 2024. A first winless calendar year since 1937 is a possibility heading into the autumn.
But Roberts - from his second tour in 2013, when Wales won a Grand Slam in 2012, lost eight consecutive Tests, then won another Six Nations title in such style that 15 Welshmen toured Australia that summer - knows how fortunes can change quickly.
"When you're in them, they're very difficult," he added. "They've very challenging.
"But with experienced coaches and players, there are some players in that squad who have experienced a run of losses, these things always turn themselves around. You come out the other end.
"You work hard and you stick to the process. It gives me optimism. Sometimes you have to go through that difficult period of losing and it feels so good on the other side.
"That's what these Welsh lads are striving for, that feeling of being in the changing room and having a cold beer with your mates after winning. I really hope they get to feel that in November.
"I think they deserve to. There's enough quality and optimism there for them to have performances worthy of winning Test matches."
As for the Welsh players he feels could tour with Andy Farrell's Lions next summer, the likes of Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan feature as the "obvious ones", as Roberts puts it.
"I think both, on their day, are world class players," he said. "They're two guys we need to stay fit for us to compete in November.
"They're two world class players and will be in the conversation. I think Aaron Wainwright will be in the conversation if he can find his best form. He's a supreme ball-carrier for us, especially in the wider channels. He's a wonderful player.
"Tomos (Williams) is another. And dare I say it, one of the young centres. Dare I say it."
Having tipped Eddie James and Max Llewellyn to "transform" Wales' backline, he believes the two could be dark horses to tour with the Lions - just as he did 15 years ago.
"There's huge potential in these young guys and I really hope Alex King and Rob Howley as attack coaches see how effective these guys can be in Test rugby," he explained. "I think they'll know deep down they have all the tools.
"I get hugely excited about seeing those two lads potentially thrive on the Test stage. I think they've got a great opportunity."
Every match of 2024 Autumn Nations Series is exclusively live on TNT Sports and discovery+ Watch The Autumn Nations Rugby Show, free-to-air on Quest every Thursday at 10pm from Oct 31st
