The recent Six Nations is certainly one Wales fans will want to forget due to the ignominy of finishing with the Wooden Spoon, but the performances of a handful of the squad’s younger contingent offered some hope at least.
Cardiff full-back Cameron Winnett was arguably the pick of the bunch with a string of assured performances and Warren Gatland is expected to continue putting his faith in youth this summer against South Africa, Australia and the Queensland Reds. One player who is already on Gatland’s radar is up and coming Cardiff star Jacob Beetham who was called in to train with Wales during the Six Nations.
Beetham was also a target for Gregor Townsend, who wanted to include the 23-year-old in Scotland’s Six Nations squad only to get knocked back. Wales’ attack showed flashes of what it could be capable of as they scored 13 tries but it could be argued they lacked incision in midfield while they definitely need to add some extra dimensions.
During Warren Gatland’s first stint in charge, Wales operated with a genuine ball carrier in midfield who could get them over the gainline – be it Gavin Henson, Jamie Roberts or Hadleigh Parkes. Nick Tompkins has been a fine servant for Wales since making his debut against Italy in 2020 but wasn’t at his best during the Six Nations, while George North has retired from Test rugby.
Beetham has played the majority of his rugby at full-back but might be better suited as an inside centre. At 6ft 1ins and 13 st 7lbs he clearly has the size to cope with the physical demands of international rugby but it’s his footballing ability which sets him apart.
Beetham is someone who could get Wales on the front foot in midfield but he also takes good options under pressure while his passing game is very good. The Cardiff man also provides a kicking option and is a long range place kicker.
Mason Grady is also a credible option for Wales at 12 but in the long-run Beetham may be a better option with his Cardiff teammate outside him at 13. At the moment it is just potential but if Beetham can develop in midfield he could give provide a different dimension to Wales’ attacking game.
The likes of Scarlets centre Eddie James may also be considered, while Wales U20s midfielder Louis Hennessey could come into the equation. Both players are big men who can get over the gainline but also have the offloading game to put others into space.
In the wake of Louis Rees-Zammit’s move to the NFL and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s decision to represent England over the land of his birth, Wales could do with adding a bit more firepower out wide. Josh Adams remains a quality player but was below his best during the Six Nations due to a knee injury while Rio Dyer has been a consistently solid performer.
On form, both Theo Cabango and Josh Hathaway both deserve to come into consideration. Cabango has top end pace, excellent footwork and is a good finisher.
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