I can take the pressure at No. 10, says Ben Thomas
Much is made about the difference between club and international rugby and it’s something Ben Thomas is able to give a real insight into following his return to the Test arena.
Three years on from winning a couple of caps as a replacement, the Cardiff centre was recalled for Wales’ summer tour of Australia and handed the No.10 jersey for the two Tests against the Wallabies.
“It was pretty intense. It’s probably the margin for error was the main thing,” said Thomas, whose father Pat Thomas was British light middleweight boxing champion.
“It’s more speed of thought rather than the speed of the game. In regional rugby, you can see something and it might be there for a few seconds and you can act on it, but the thing I noticed out there was how quickly pictures change and how quick you’ve got to act and react.
“It was a bit of a challenge playing 10 after a bit of a sabbatical from that jersey, but it was an amazing experience, both the tour and the games.
“It was more excitement than nerves. Being a bit older now, it’s slightly different, especially with a young group. It’s a bit easier to take on that role of guiding the team through the week and the games.
“I felt a bit more settled in the squad knowing I was going to play a bit more of a role, as opposed to just being in the squad. It’s a bit more helpful to find your feet.”
So how does he now reflect on the whole experience?
“It was quite surreal watching it back, me playing for Wales. It was quite a nice reflective moment.
“I had a month off completely and then had a look at a few bits and had a few conversations with the Wales coaches about a few points of play and how we can improve.
“It’s about going through it with a fine tooth comb and picking out little bits they have identified I can work on.”
The 25-year-old Thomas is now back at inside centre with Cardiff, but has no concerns on that front.
“The way we play here lends itself well to me stepping in at first receiver or, even if I am at second receiver, having a bit of say in the plays we run or the way we are attacking or managing the field.
“So I suppose the skill sets are quite transferable. It’s just a different number on the back.
“I have got quite a free role, so I am enjoying it and feeling good.”
He now has a new, yet familiar face alongside him, with Callum Sheedy at fly-half following his move from Bristol.
“We went to the same school and played for the same club in junior rugby,” says Thomas. “It’s nice to have him back and good to catch up. I feel we complement each other quite well.
“He’s very good for us. He is wise beyond his years. He is a good leader and knows the game well.
“He is a very good talker and quite a calming presence on the pitch.”
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