Coach backs uncapped playmaker to offer solution to both of Gatland’s problems

The Dragons stalwart who stands a chance of making Wales’ Six Nations squad

When Warren Gatland was asked at a press conference last week what positions Wales were lacking depth in, he immediately identified the number 10 and 15 shirts.

Wales have been blessed with some serious top-end Test players in both positions over the past decade, but with Dan Biggar retiring from international rugby, Gareth Anscombe heading to Japan and Rhys Patchell signing for the Highlanders in New Zealand the cupboard is looking a bit a bit bare at number 10. Read my weekly column in our rugby newsletter

Similarly, with Liam Williams also off to Japan and Leigh Halfpenny having retired from Wales duty there is a need to find alternatives at full-back. Sam Costelow, Owen Williams, Callum Sheedy, Tom Rogers, Cai Evans and Ioan Lloyd are all potential options but there is a clear lack of depth in both positions.

One player who is often overlooked by supporters but has been a consistent performer at regional level for a number of years is Dragons star Angus O’Brien, who can cover both outside-half and full-back. Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan believes he is a player who offers something a bit different to every other option in Wales.

“He can do things other 10s in Wales can’t do,” said Flanagan. “Firstly he can kick the ball a country mile.

“I thought Ben Healy was outstanding for Edinburgh against us on the weekend. They looked a little bit unstructured and you could see they were a new group with five internationals dropped in but they had a player in the middle who just went ‘right, I’ll win this game and I’ll kick every kick’.

“I believe Angus has that ability. When we don’t play well Angus can win us games. Angus is very, very quick. You can see his footballing background.

“He’s got a turn of pace that gets us out of trouble sometimes and can also put us on the front foot. I love the fact that whenever he’s attached to a forward he always thinks ‘what’s my role? Can I get square?’ Some 10s might be lateral and not look at themselves but by looking at himself he gives himself simple decisions, and I love that.”

O’Brien’s talents are not in doubt with his pace and all-round footballing ability having been an asset to the Dragons, and for a couple of seasons the Scarlets, for years. Welsh rugby has been littered with what the public call good club players who have been excellent at regional level but haven’t been quite good enough to step up to the red shirt of Wales.

So, is O’Brien better than a very good club player? “He has the ability on his day to be better than a good club player, 100 per cent,” said Flanagan.

“We need to see it every week, and by backing him to play every week I’m sure he’ll feel that belief to develop. He’s one of the most competitive human beings you’ll ever meet. If you’ve got a game of snap he’ll want to win it. He’s like an energiser bunny, and he hardly misses any training sessions.

“He’ll return from injury super quick because he’s got such a want to be out on the field doing stuff.”

While the Wales coaches think the world of the 22-year-old Costelow, options on the whole are sparse in such a key position. At 29 should O’Brien, who has excelled and even arguably played better than others in the frame, be seriously considered for a place in Gatland’s Six Nations squad, especially considering he can also play full-back?

“I don’t see why not,” said Flanagan. “I think the ball is in Angus’ court now.

“It’s going to be a transitional period for those positions. We’ve had some superstars in those positions like Rhys Priestland, Rhys Patchell, Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe. They were rock stars who got the shirt and kept the shirt. It was the same at full-back with Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny.

“The baton now needs to be handed over but who is going to run with it? Everyone has got an expectation that Sam Costelow should and can, but it’s over to Angus to show week in, week out he’s the best 10 or 15 in Wales.”

The race for the Wales number 10 and 15 shirts has well and truly began.