ARWEL THOMAS will spearhead Wales's new attacking game when they start their Five Nations' campaign against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday. The 22 year old Swansea out half has been chosen ahead of the more experienced Neil Jenkins and Jonathan Davies because the Wales management regards him as the best equipped to bring the best out an attacking three quarter line.
Wales were saying the same thing a year ago but, for all the plaudits they earned for style in last season's championship, they plundered just one victory and of the side that started that campaign in a rich vein of optimism at Twickenham, only five remain for Scotland.
Despite another year of under achievement and record defeats, Wales are upbeat about their championship chances. "There is an incredible amount of self belief in the side," said Jonathan Humphreys, who was restored to the captaincy after missing Saturday's international against the United States through suspension. "We are confident of doing well."
Humphreys is one of two changes from the side which defeated the United States. Neil Jenkins returns at full back to give Wales the security of consistent goal kicking should their new game fail to deliver but, as ever in the Principality, it was the outside half position which dominated debate.
"Arwel again showed against the United States that he creates opportunities for the backs," said the Wales coach Kevin Bowring. That begged the question why Thomas has effectively been third choice this season with Jenkins and Davies tried before him.
"Arwel had his opportunity against South Africa last month after Jonathan withdrew from the side because of illness and he showed his ability to get the best out of those around him. We have kept faith with him because he is very much part of the game we are trying to develop," said Bowring.
With Jenkins in the side and Davies on the bench, Thomas will not have the same high tolerance threshold shown to him as last season when his indecision - notably against Ireland - eventually cost him his place.
