Six Nations 2024: Fly-half Ioan Lloyd learns lessons of Test rugby after first Wales start
- Published
Ioan Lloyd has played four internationals for Wales and made his first start in the 16-14 Six Nations defeat to England at Twickenham
Wales fly-half Ioan Lloyd says he is learning the lessons of international rugby after making his first start in the Six Nations defeat to England.
Lloyd replaced the injured Sam Costelow for the 16-14 loss at Twickenham.
The 22-year-old had come on as a replacement against Scotland the previous week and helped orchestrate a comeback before the 27-26 defeat.
"I've learned a lot about game management at Test level, I'm enjoying the challenge," said Lloyd.
"The England game didn't go as we would have hoped but there were some positives we could take.
"There are few opportunities out there so when they do come, you've got to be able to take them.
"It's the same on the flip side. Any turnover of ball is an opportunity for the other team. It's fine margins.
"The speed of the game is a lot quicker and the physicality is something I'll hopefully get used to."
Contrasting fortunes
Wales fly-half Ioan Lloyd, tackled by England lock Maro Itoje, kicked one conversion in the 16-14 defeat at Twickenham
Lloyd demonstrated his attacking ability with an exceptional pass to full-back Cameron Winnett that almost produced a second-half try.
Earlier, he was also caught in possession by lock Maro Itoje under his own posts when England were down to 13 men in the first half.
This resulted in an attacking England scrum that saw Ben Earl power over for the hosts.
"I think that's part of the learning process, obviously it's a tough way to learn," said Lloyd.
"It hurt obviously but I want to try and improve on that now going into next week."
Lloyd feels he is benefitting from the presence of former international half-backs Neil Jenkins and Rob Howley in the Wales coaching staff.
"Neil and Rob have talked a lot about speed into whatever you are going to do, whether it is pass or kick," Lloyd said.
"We've talked a lot through it, and I have got to see exactly what he (Jenkins) is talking about over the last couple of weeks. That reminder has helped me a lot."
Life as Wales number 10
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Wales' record points scorer Jenkins will also know what life as a Welsh outside-half entails as Lloyd steps into the shoes of legendary players.
The 10 position is Wales' most famous rugby jersey and also the most scrutinised.
Following the 2023 World Cup, Wales are looking to replace the retired Dan Biggar and unavailable Gareth Anscombe who have dominated the position in recent times.
"I haven't thought about it too much from an historic point of view," said Lloyd.
"I try not to think about external factors too much. I try and go out there and execute my role within the team.
"The 10 position is one of the game drivers and leaders, so that sort of pressure is expected.
"It's something I have anticipated going into the 10 jersey. Fly-halves everywhere will take a lot of scrutiny and probably not as much praise as they should in other aspects."
Lloyd is adamant fly-half is where he wants to forge his career after previously playing centre, wing and full-back for Bristol before joining Scarlets for the 2023-24 season.
"I see myself as a fly-half," said Lloyd.
"Any opportunity to pull on the red jersey, I'll take, but fly-half is where I've always played and see myself.
"It can be frustrating but at the same time I saw the bigger picture and feel I've learned a lot through playing other positions.
"There is an argument for experience at 10 but at the same time, playing other positions allows you to see how they see the game. Going back to 10 has helped me in that way.
"I think I've got a strong running game. I feel my kicking game is also a strength and it's about learning from the opportunities I've had in the past couple of weeks. I need to implement them into my game as quickly as possible."
Preference to start
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Lloyd wants to stay in the Wales fly-half role against Ireland in Dublin on 24 February with Scarlets team-mate Costelow fit again.
Lloyd has been seen by some as an impact player because of his running skills but he wants to appear from the outset.
"Whatever my role is in the team I am going to try to execute that," said Lloyd.
"I like to see myself as a starter and feel I can add to the team as a starter. It's up to the coaches but whatever position I'm in, I will do my best for the team.
"If I was on the bench I would try to make an impact coming on."
Lloyd says his relationship with Costelow is "great" and the pair support each other whoever is selected.
"I am hoping to learn stuff off him and hopefully he can learn some things off me, maybe," said Lloyd.
"The competition for that is definitely on the field but off the field we are big mates. We do a lot of kicking and spend a lot of time together."
Whatever happens in the next few weeks and the future, Lloyd knows nobody will take away what he felt at Twickenham last weekend.
"It was an unbelievable experience, just to get the opportunity to go out there was my dream," said Lloyd.
"I remember watching as a kid, even as a supporter, and feeling one of the proudest moments watching Welsh rugby is singing the anthem.
"I was thinking of my family and hoping I was making them proud."