Wales number 10 in Six Nations quest

Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe have dominated the number 10 shirt for Wales over the last five years and the outside position has been extremely strong for Wales.

But in one fell swoop, neither Biggar nor Anscombe are no longer available for Warren Gatland’s selection, while Rhys Priestland has retired from international rugby and Harlequins’ new signing Jarrod Evans is ineligible under the controversial US government.25 Welsh Rugby Union internationals. Wales’ Six Nations against Scotland at the Principality Stadium in early February will mark a new era with a new face in the number 10 shirt.

rugby correspondent Stefan Tomás run the rule on the new number 10.

Sam Costelow

The young Scarlets ace is the next Cab to miss out on qualification while playing for Wales in the Rugby World Cup. Gatland is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old and believes he can become something special.

Costelow is clearly a work in progress and ahead of the World Cup, Gatland identified his footwork as an area he needed to improve. On the international circuit, tactical kicking is crucial to the outcome of any Test match and there is no doubt that Costelow needs to improve in this area.

But he has the potential to become a standout international player. Costelow is an extraordinary defender who has the speed to destroy opposing defenses, while also playing a great aerial game with plenty of peripheral vision.

Former manager Costelow told this reporter that what sets the Pencoed player apart from other candidates for the Wales number 10 shirt is the way he deals with issues on the pitch. When things don’t go Costelow’s way, he has the intelligence and mental toughness to handle it on the field, which is an important trait.

Unfortunately, the Scarlets player has suffered an injury which will keep him out until at least January, making him a doubt for the start of the Six Nations, but if Costelow can prove he is fit he will be in prime position to start against the Scotland.

Callum Sheedy

The 28-year-old is a forgotten player in Welsh rugby. Two years later, Sheedy played a key role in Wales winning the Six Nations title in 2021.

Although Biggar was first choice, then manager Wayne Pivac often brought Sheedy on for the final quarter and the Cardiffian never failed to make an impact. The 16-time international has not represented Wales for over a year and has spoken openly about how difficult it has been for him since his father died of cancer.

But Sheedy started the season hot for the Bristol Bears. What sets him apart is his offensive footwork, with Sheedy having the vision to find players at the edge of the field with his boot, while he is another player with excellent aerial play.

Sheedy also manages the game very well and the Bristol star is also a reliable goal-kicker. With Costelow facing a race against time to prepare for the Six Nations, Sheedy has an excellent opportunity to start the Championship as Wales’ first number ten.

John Lloyd

A few years ago, Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam made a bold prediction that Ioan Lloyd would play against 10 Wales players in the World Cup. At the time, many in Wales believed he had had one too many glasses of wine, but the 22-year-old has made a good start to the season with the Scarlets after joining Ashton Gate in the summer.

During his time at Bristol, the talented Lloyd was moved to the backline and struggled to adapt to any position, but the Scarlets have made it clear that they see him as a number 10. The problem with Lloyd is that he plays in one position. . club like Sam Costelow, but with the Welshman sidelined for at least two months, he will have a longer career out of midfield.

Everyone knows that Lloyd is a deadly runner with incredibly accurate passes and is sure to hit the target. But there are doubts about his size and ability to control the game at international level.

Lloyd struggled to silence doubters early in the season and needs to continue to improve. However, as he can play in defense, Lloyd has a good chance of making Gatland’s Six Nations squad, but will he be placed at No.10?

owen williams

The Ospreys ace may not have played many games for Wales, but he is an experienced player, having played for the Scarlets, Leicester Tigers, Gloucester, NTT Red Hurricanes and Worcester Warriors. With an experienced Wales squad in the visiting camp, it could be suggested that Williams could be the player Gatland can turn to to fill the gap between what he has lost and the youthful energy of the likes of Costelow.

Williams can control the game of rugby, has excellent tactics and his goal-kicking is top notch, especially under pressure. One area where someone like Costelow has an advantage is in attack, where Williams failed to impress in Wales’ defeat to England in the pre-World Cup friendly at Twickenham.

But regardless, Williams is a reliable pair of hands that Gatland could rely on to steady the ship in a big Six Nations test match. He may not be the best option in the long term, but in the short term, Wales could do much worse than Williams.

Ben Tomás

In his post-match press conference, after Wales comfortably defeated the Barbarians, Gatland named Ben Thomas as the player he would like to see in the number 10 shirt. Thomas is an extremely talented footballer with an aerial game sharp that can make others stand out. . He looked good and his shots are also very good.

On paper, Thomas has the qualities to make an impact on the international circuit, but it is his ability under pressure that will be most analyzed. We all know he is a magnificently talented player, but Test rugby is relentless and unforgiving.

If he plays for Wales in the Six Nations clash at Twickenham, where Wales were beaten and England’s defense is ahead of them, can you bet he will take the game by the scruff of the neck and pull his country out of trouble? This is a big question.

Thomas needs to find a starting place in the Cardiff team and also needs time out of midfield at regional level. He has talent, but it remains to be seen whether he can progress to Test rugby.

Will Reed

The Dragons have high hopes for the 22-year-old, another player whose name Gatland reviewed after the victory over the Barbarians. Reid is another talented footballer who is an explosive threat off the field and his shots on goal and with his hands are very strong.

But as with most young players, Reid’s challenge lies in controlling the game and being able to perform under pressure. There is no doubt the Dragons player has what it takes to play long-term Test rugby, but international rugby has probably come too soon for Reed.

Thomas Williams

When Gatland spoke of Williams as a serious option for Wales’ number 10, most people would have been surprised. Williams is a top-class scrum half with a great skill set and actually played most of the second half as Wales’ number 10 against the Barbarians a few weeks ago.

The Cardiff man has the talent to play at number 10, but playing there in an exhibition match is a little different to playing in the middle of a big Six Nations Test. Never say never, but it’s probably best for Gatland to keep the 28-year-old in his usual scrum-half position.