Scarlets flanker Plumtree eyes six role for Wales

Back row Taine Plumtree played his first game for Scarlets against Barbarians in September 2023

Scarlets flanker Taine Plumtree is looking to nail down the Wales number six jersey for the autumn internationals.

Plumtree started in all three back-row positions on Wales' summer three-game tour of Australia.

The 24-year-old will be a contender for the number eight role in November if injury doubts Taulupe Faletau and Aaron Wainwright are ruled out of matches against Fiji, Australia and South Africa.

Plumtree believes his future lies at blind-side flanker but is content with being versatile.

"I see myself as a six that can play eight and, if I need to, jump in at lock at some point then fine, but perhaps not internationally," said Plumtree.

"I want to be a player that's versatile, that can play any of those positions and be comfortable.

"That's a good thing to have come selection time and squads I want to be involved with.

"Where I fit into that team [Wales] is hopefully in that six jersey but I've got five or six games with Scarlets before that autumn series.

"Hopefully I can keep building as a six, nail my role and do the things Gats [Wales head coach Warren Gatland] and Humphs [Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys] want me to do."

Turning a corner

Taine Plumtree has played five internationals for Wales

Plumtree was involved in both Test defeats against Australia and the tour victory against Queensland Reds.

"The tour was awesome," said Plumtree.

"In terms of results we weren't happy to go away losing both those games to Australia.

"I thought we had no real expectation to go in and win any game. I found before going to Australia we were in a good place to go and play good rugby, and for bits we did.

"I was happy with how I played but we are disappointed about not being able to get one up over them in either of those two games.

"It's not the last time we are playing them and hopefully we can get one over on them later on this year."

Wales have lost their last nine Tests and slipped to a lowest position of 11th in the world rankings but Plumtree believes Gatland's side can turn things around.

"The boys were gutted because we know we are better than that and can play better than that," said Plumtree.

"There's only a limited amount of Wales games every year, so we don't get too much of a chance to show we are turning that corner and are playing better.

"When the opportunity comes, we just need to take it."

Scarlets success targeted

Taine Plumtree is preparing for his second season with Scarlets

Plumtree is also hoping for a more successful Scarlets season after Dwayne Peel's side finished 13th in the United Rugby Championship table.

"We're coming off the disappointment of an average season," said Plumtree.

"A few old heads have left, which has cost us experience, but we've also got some new faces who have come in and caused the boys still here to up their game in training.

"On paper and not injured, our forward pack can be strong to play against.

"We all want to have a better season than last time out. Personally, I want to get through the season uninjured and to take on a leadership role.

"I'm feeling good and I know a lot of us are.

"It's a long season and our pack isn't going to be exactly the same every weekend, so it's about all the forwards being able to put their hands up when the opportunity comes."