ROB Howley admits Cardiff Blues' struggles have made it hard to judge Gareth Anscombe but is backing the Wales utility back to hit his straps this summer in the race for the World Cup.

Injury-permitting, Dan Biggar will have 10 on his back at England 2015 and Bath-bound Rhys Priestland looks likely to be his back up.

That means the third-choice fly-half half will be selected primarily as a full-back with Anscombe, Gloucester's James Hook and Bristol's Matthew Morgan all in the running.

Dual-contracted Anscombe, New Zealand-born to a Welsh mother, appears to be in pole position after getting a first taste of life in international camp in the Six Nations, although he didn't win his first cap.

The 24-year-old arrived in Wales from the Chiefs last year but only gave glimpses of his talent in a struggling Cardiff Blues side, including a man of the match display in their Guinness Pro12 win against Newport Gwent Dragons on New Year's Day.

"Gareth has played 10 and 15 for the Blues and it's always difficult to be judgemental about somebody playing in a team which is struggling," said Howley.

"But what we have seen of him in our environment has been very good. He can be high risk, high reward but he's got a very good individual skill-set.

"We have spoken to him about his composure and patience but we want to see him over the next couple of months on a day-to-day basis working with the nines and off front-foot ball."

Former Ospreys livewire Morgan is popular among many fans thanks to some lively performances in England's second tier, although big question marks remain about his ability to slot in at fly-half.

And Howley says that the 23-year-old, who turned down a Dragons offer in favour of joining Bristol last summer, is seen as a 15 by the Wales coaching staff.

He said: "We named him last year after the Probables versus Possibles trial, when we all talked about his X-factor and he was capped in South Africa.

"I think he's a full-back in the international game where the looseness of the kicking game gives him more time and space.

"We will look at him as a 15 first and foremost. He's got the ability to beat defenders on a sixpence.

"He was Championship player of the season in England and has been outstanding – he's one of those players who has got the ability to be able to change the course of game."

Hook, so often a fringe figure under Gatland, has been given a chance to add to his 77 caps.

Like Morgan, there are some doubts about whether he can control a game but he finished the season strongly with 10 on his back at Gloucester.

"We spoke to James in the autumn and told him he was quite lateral in attack," said Howley. "We talked about our 10s being first receiver, challenging the gain-line and controlling the game.

"I'm really happy, having watched him over the last couple of months, that he's not been as lateral in attack."