TWITTER: The angry backlash that has hit Gareth Anscombe like a tidal wave on Twitter
It was only a matter of weeks ago since Gareth Anscombe’s Man of the Match performance against Ireland at the Principality Stadium to secure a Grand Slam for Wales.
That performance was seen as a coming-of-age for the New Zealand born back, where he cemented his place in the Welsh team. However, since the Six Nations, there have been persistent rumours that the 27-year-old is seeking a big money move away from Wales.
England looks to be the likeliest destination for his move, although Bristol have recently ruled themselves out of contention, but a move to rivals Ospreys is also possible.
Anscombe has been embroiled in a lot of discussions regarding his wages, as he does not fall into the top wage band in Welsh rugby which is for British and Irish Lions, despite feeling like he warrants a pay rise.
A move away would take him out of contention for a place at the World Cup later this year, because he has fewer than 60 caps, which would be very strange seeing as he has worked so hard to win over the Welsh public as well as Warren Gatland.
Some fans believe that a professional rugby career is short, and it makes sense that a player should go wherever he can make the most money, and have been critical of the restrictions that the WRU continue to implement. However, there is also a large contingent of fans that disagree, and have some strong opinions about Anscombe’s current attitude. This is what they are saying:
https://twitter.com/CynonGirl84/status/1112942493715267584
https://twitter.com/JohnPaulRich180/status/1113084812288503808
https://twitter.com/millboy41/status/1112990365697667072
https://twitter.com/asajoseph/status/1112913143892594688
https://twitter.com/JIDG/status/1112847617065713666
https://twitter.com/loughorboy/status/1112807571298160641
https://twitter.com/Vanguff4/status/1112827754054123521
https://twitter.com/ospreylian1/status/1112725997227556864
https://twitter.com/Gareth_beef/status/1112725066557603840
https://twitter.com/Rdj16279419/status/1112312577177145344
Wales was never more than a flag of convenience for failed wannabe All Black Gareth Anscombe. He’s had his 15 minutes of fame and expects the WRU to abandon a pay structure designed to operate across the board. Away with you to Bristol good boy. pic.twitter.com/z0qr8NTHvO
— Mark England (@MarkEng30768932) April 1, 2019
What is clear is that these fans feel that Anscombe does not deserve to be treated as a Lion, as ultimately they believe that he is not good enough. He does not yet have the credibility to make demands that players like Alun Wyn Jones or Jonathan Davies could because he is simply not in that echelon.
It has also been argued that Anscombe should show a degree of loyalty towards Cardiff and the WRU for not only helping him become an international player, but supporting him when he was injured. The fans want him to show the professional attitude that players like Jones and Davies do.
Anscombe had a standout Six Nations where he became a Welsh hero, but it looks as though he is swiftly starting to ostracise himself.
