Ben Thomas Embraces Centre Role Amid Wales' Six Nations Revival

Ben Thomas, the versatile Welsh rugby player, has found his stride back in the centre position, a spot he feels most at ease with. After a stint at fly-half during the initial matches of the Six Nations, Thomas was reverted to his more familiar role by interim head coach Matt Sherratt, following a series of disappointing results under Warren Gatland.

Thomas, who has played 10 internationals for Wales, credits Sherratt for the tactical shift that saw him form a strong midfield partnership with Max Llewellyn and fellow fly-half Gareth Anscombe. This move was instrumental in Wales' improved performances, particularly in their closely contested game against Ireland.

"Playing at inside centre feels more natural to me," Thomas remarked. "The game plan we adopted mirrors what I'm used to at Cardiff, making the transition seamless." He also highlighted Sherratt's influence on his development, noting the coach's preference for a ball-playing 12, which has allowed him to enhance aspects of his game he hadn't previously considered.

Rekindling Passion for Welsh Rugby

Thomas hopes that the team's recent displays will reignite the public's passion for Welsh rugby. The match against Scotland in Edinburgh is seen as another opportunity to showcase this renewed spirit. Despite a record 15th successive Test match defeat, the performance against the Six Nations title favorites Ireland was a testament to the positive changes within the squad.

"Our goal was to bring back some positivity," Thomas explained. "Focusing on an exciting brand of rugby that could endear us to the fans again. We aim to maintain this approach against Scotland."

The Impact of Matt Sherratt

Sherratt's immediate effect on the team has been palpable. Transitioning from losses against France and Italy to challenging Ireland, the interim coach has managed to extract a competitive edge from the Welsh side. His clear communication and strategic acumen have been pivotal in this turnaround.

"Sherratt's rugby intellect is remarkable," Thomas added. "He was able to convey his strategies effectively, despite the limited time, and the team responded well."

Looking Ahead

Wales has a commendable record against Scotland in Edinburgh, having won six of the last eight encounters. With the upcoming game, Thomas and his teammates are eager to continue their form and hopefully secure a much-needed victory.

"The atmosphere within the squad is positive," Thomas shared. "We're excited to play our brand of rugby and hopefully, the results will follow."

Red Card Experiment

In the match against Ireland, Thomas was at the centre of a controversial incident involving a 20-minute red card shown to Irish centre Garry Ringrose. Despite the setback, Thomas supports the new red card rule, acknowledging its intent to balance the game's competitiveness.

"I understand the rule's purpose," Thomas stated. "While it was frustrating to see Ireland regain their full strength, it’s a fair concept that enhances the game's integrity."