Former New Zealand utility Gareth Anscombe is edging closer to his World Cup rugby ambition.
The 24-year-old made his debut for Wales as a second half replacement against Ireland last weekend and has survived coach Warren Gatland's latest cull.
Gatland chopped senior men including five eighths James Hook, halfback Mike Phillips and hooker Richard Hibbard, who hold a combined total of 209 caps for Wales, as he trimmed his squad to 38 players.
Hook has been marginal for some time while the others did not stack up as Ireland easily beat Wales 35-21 last week in Cardiff after leading 35-7 with about 10 minutes to run.
Dan Biggar and Rhys Priestland are the senior five eighths left in the squad with Anscombe tipped to hold out Matthew Morgan for the backup utility berth in the squad.
