Gatland seeks more power at fly-half for Wales

Sam Costelow started four games in the 2024 Six Nations while Jacob Beetham and Ben Thomas were not involved

Wales coach Warren Gatland says he wants more physical fly-half options after naming Sam Costelow as the only specialist number 10 in his summer squad.

Ioan Lloyd has been dropped for matches against South Africa and Australia with Cardiff duo Ben Thomas and Jacob Beetham identified as cover for Costelow.

Gatland is looking for new options after Dan Biggar retired after the World Cup, while Gareth Anscombe has not played since October 2023 because of a groin problem and decided to stay at home this summer before linking up with new club Gloucester.

"The thinking is looking at some other options, some depth at 10," said Gatland.

"There are some good young 10s in Wales at the moment but they are not big, they are quite small.

"We are looking for a different type of 10 with a different type of stature, someone like Jacob Beetham or Ben Thomas.

"If someone is coming hard down the 10 channel when you are playing a big physical side then you may need to match that with physicality of your own.

"Those are the conversations we are having about that position."

Centre Thomas has been recalled after playing two internationals, while the uncapped Beetham, who also qualifies for Scotland, has played more at full-back and in the midfield for Cardiff.

Gatland believes the pair have enough previous experience at fly-half.

"Jacob is potentially someone who can be considered at 10," added Gatland.

"He is a 15 who can play midfield and has played 10 at age-grade level, we know Ben has played at 10 for Cardiff as well.

"We have looked at players who have had some time in the past at 10 and played at age-grade level.

"It's not as though we are throwing in someone who has never experienced playing in that jersey."

Is Thomas a 10 or a 12?

Thomas, 25, impressed while captaining Cardiff in their Judgement Day defeat by Ospreys.

"I thought Ben was excellent at the weekend," said Gatland.

"He looked comfortable on the ball, he created space."

Gatland says he would like to have seen Thomas playing more at 10 this season for Cardiff with South African Tinus de Beer starting every game bar one for the Arms Park outfit.

Thomas started at centre against Ospreys before switching to fly-half for the final quarter.

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt has stated he sees Thomas primarily as a centre.

"We were hoping earlier in the season we might have seen a bit more of him (Thomas) playing there (fly-half)," added Gatland.

"Cardiff felt at the time he was a midfielder, but they've now looked at that as a potential option for him.

"We have been pleased with his performances. Whoever we pick there it is going to take a bit of time, it doesn't just happen overnight.

"It isn't just the running game that is important. Control of the game is important and Neil Jenkins (Wales kicking coach) is going to have to do a lot of work with whoever we play there.

"Ben does gives us a different dimension."