By Paul Jones
Ben Thomas is in line to be handed the key role of Paris playmaker when Wales begin their Six Nations campaign against France on Friday night.
The Cardiff star – whose regular club position is at centre – is poised to be named at outside-half for the tournament opener.
Wales coach Warren Gatland caused a stir when he named uncapped Ospreys youngster Dan Edwards as the only regular fly-half in his squad a fortnight ago and left the hugely experienced Gareth Anscombe out altogether.
Anscombe was Gatland’s preference for the Autumn Series, but now Thomas is set to reprise the role he played for Wales on tour to Australia last summer, with Edwards on the replacements’ bench.
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The midfield is expected to feature the experienced pairing of Nick Tompkins and Owen Watkin, who have 80 caps between them.
Their familiarity with each other, having started together four times for Wales, could prove crucial in selection, putting them ahead of Eddie James and Joe Roberts.
The back-three is set to be strengthened by the return of British and Irish Lions duo Josh Adams and Liam Williams, both of whom missed last year’s Six Nations.
Their inclusion would add much-needed experience and firepower to a Welsh side looking to end a 12-match losing streak, their last victory coming against Georgia in the 2023 World Cup.
Gatland is also ready to hand first Test starts to front-row duo Evan Lloyd and Henry Thomas.
The pair look ready to make their full debuts after previously earning all of their combined nine caps as replacements.
Lloyd, the 23-year-old Cardiff hooker, has made five appearances off the bench for Wales is in contention to fill the void left by injured duo Dewi Lake and Ryan Elias.
Meanwhile, 33-year-old tight-head prop Thomas, who switched allegiance from England in 2023, would bring valuable experience of French rugby, having previously played for Castres and Montpellier.
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Bath’s Archie Griffin, who wore the number three jersey during Wales’ autumn defeats, has been ruled out due to shoulder surgery.
With Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins set to be paired in the second row, Gatland is also considering going for experience in the back row.
That would mean reuniting the World Cup trio of Aaron Wainwright, captain Jac Morgan, and Taulupe Faletau for the first time since the pool stages in 2023.
Faletau’s return would be a significant boost after Wales’ only true current world class star suffered a frustrating 15 months sidelined by injuries.
Gatland’s squad, to be named on Wednesday, is expected to show significant changes from the side that suffered a heavy 45-12 defeat to South Africa in Cardiff last November.
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