World Cup goal for Anscombe after Wales recall

Gareth Anscombe has played 41 internationals for Wales

Men's Six Nations: Wales v England

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 15 March Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC One, BBC Sport website and app, plus S4C via iPlayer. Text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app. Listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live.

Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe says he wants to play at the 2027 World Cup having returned to the side during this year's Six Nations.

Former head coach Warren Gatland left the Gloucester number 10 out of the initial Six Nations squad and questioned whether the 33-year-old would still be available for selection in two years' time.

Anscombe missed the defeats against France and Italy with Cardiff centre Ben Thomas given the fly-half role.

Following the loss in Rome, Gatland resigned with interim head coach Matt Sherratt coming in for the final three games.

Sherratt immediately recalled Anscombe and gave him the Wales' number 10 shirt against Italy and France.

He will also start in the Six Nations finale against England in Cardiff on Saturday.

Anscombe has missed a couple of years through serious knee and groin injuries, but believes that he can extend his career.

"I would love to keep playing to the World Cup," said Anscombe.

"I certainly don't have a time limit in my head. I've missed a large majority of games with injury and I'm hoping they'll buy me some legs in the back end of my career.

"I've played most of the games for Gloucester, I've barely missed a game or training, I want to keep playing.

"Those comments were Gats' (Warren Gatland's) opinion, I want to keep playing and a World Cup is a focus."

'Sick of losing streak talk'

Wales, who have been beaten in all four games in this campaign, are bidding to avoid a 17th successive Test defeat and 11th Six Nations loss on the bounce.

Wales' most recent Test match victory came against World Cup pool opponents Georgia in October 2023.

They have also lost their previous eight home games in Cardiff and been defeated in the past eight Six Nations matches at the Principality Stadium.

Wales are also bidding to avoid a clean sweep of defeats in successive tournaments for the first time in their history.

Anscombe outlined what a win would mean for Welsh rugby.

"It would be a bit of relief, everyone's sick of talking about this losing streak," said Anscombe.

"We're all desperate to get a win. I genuinely feel in these last two weeks we've moved the needle in the right way.

"We're playing the game the way that best suits us. If we can tidy up a few things and be accurate, I'm sure the tide will turn.

"We've worked tremendously hard in the last few weeks and some boys have gone through things that players shouldn't have to in certain situations.

"We're capable of producing a special performance and hopefully Saturday is one of those occasions."

Gloucester life

Gloucester have three Wales starters with Anscombe joined by scrum-half Tomos Williams and centre Max Llewellyn.

Wing Josh Hathaway and lock Freddie Thomas are also in the squad, while forwards coach Rhys Thomas has been involved in the backroom staff.

England will arrive at the Principality Stadium as title contenders, although a bonus-point France victory against Scotland later on Saturday night will guarantee Les Bleus top spot.

Anscombe admits a Wales win would give him some bragging rights when the players return to Gloucester.

"It would make going into training a bit more enjoyable," said Anscombe.

"You don't need to build this game up and England are coming here with a chance to do something as well.

"England in the stadium is always a bit different. We know there's going to be an amazing buzz and we would all want to give the fans something to cheer about."

Anscombe's future at Kingsholm is uncertain after only one season, with Ireland fly-half Ross Byrne signing for Gloucester.

"The Six Nations is such a unique competition and having come in halfway through, it's been so full-on for the last three weeks we're just trying to play the game and what needs to change," said Anscombe.

"My only focus has been on enjoying pulling on the red jersey because when you get to my age you don't know how many times you are going to get a chance.

"For me it's just enjoying the moment, playing for Wales and I will take care of the future in the next few weeks."

Friends reunited

Anscombe was instrumental in the improvement against Ireland, but struggled to have the same impact in the loss to Scotland with replacement Jarrod Evans making a major impact in the final quarter at Murrayfield.

Sherratt, who worked with Anscombe at Cardiff, has resisted the temptation to start Harlequins fly-half Evans this weekend.

Sherratt has outlined what he hopes Anscombe will provide against England.

"Gareth's at his best when he's just in the moment and plays the game," said Sherratt.

"He's got a good rugby brain, a natural in terms of feeling the game and does a lot of preparation.

"The key for Gareth is getting to the weekend and having a clear mind.

"If he puts us in the right areas of the pitch, he links the play and gives the team solutions, those three things are what we need.

"After that, he's just got to be in the moment and let his rugby instinct kick in."