So who should play 10 for Wales? II | Six Nations 2024

No topic is as hotly debated in Welsh rugby as the number ten. And now, six years on from my first attempt to tackle this topic, we revisit Cymru's most contentious issue and run the roost over Costelow, Lloyd, Edwards, Evans, and the others in the running for number ten...
If you've enjoyed any of the channel's content, you can also support Squidge Rugby on Patreon by visiting / squidgerugby , so I can make another one of these in six years time

[@Grassybottom]

The final 10 minutes exposing the WRU for chronic mismanagement and the dire financial straits of Welsh rugby is the true highlight of this vid.

[@roshaw87]

Should be it's own video

[@BiscuitGeoff]

@@roshaw87should be broadcast on loop on all channels in Wales for the whole weekend (apart from the matches, obvs.)

[@admjooge]

This section is one of the best from squidge ever

[@lyndonpiersparish4927]

Hard hitting final 10 min. Very poignant

[@shinywarm6906]

Agreed - especially, for me, the way he's drawn the link between WRU mismanagement and the impact on individual players. The infuriating thing is how long this has been known and yet continues

[@jackgilsenan1403]

Talking about who should play 10 as a cover for complaining about the WRU is genius

[@TheModdingWelshman]

That Scarlets gag at the end was a masterpiece.

[@TheTfrules]

I wouldn't expect anything less from an Ospreys fan, solid banter haha

[@NightlightLullabies99]

Great pivot into WRU criticism at the end. Ireland pay their provinces 40% of their budget and Wales 20% ish. WTF! There is no explanation beyond greed and self interest.

[@bilgeconcerto-eh4yi]

I had no idea this was the case! Imagine the regions with twice the budget, they would be sooo good.

[@edwardharris2388]

Just like every company in the world, the suits at the top care about nothing but short term money.

[@saoirsedeltufo7436]

This is the board that has massive misogyny problems, are we at all surprised they're acting in their own self interests?

[@DoddyIshamel]

What do they spend it on? I mean in Scotland we think the union is ripping us off but 39% of outlay is going to Glasgow and Edinburgh.... WRU surely can't literally be spending the difference on parties.

[@npotter3022]

That's true, but the WRU pays more than double the IRFU into the club and community game. There needs to be a decision in Wales whether we focus on the top tier club and international game, or broad community participation. I know it's not quite as simple as one drives the other, but one needs to be taken away from the other. Ireland made their choice with the provinces and are now reaping the rewards. At the moment, the decision seems to be to try and do everything, mired by vested interests where amateur clubs are understandably worried about their survival. Along with cutting down overheads at WRU level, there are tough decisions to be made and probably at least five years to see results.

[@BiscuitGeoff]

‘Just how slow was his mum’ that was hilarious!

[@liandrewbowson3228]

I laughed out loud and then continued to chuckle to myself for some time after :D

[@thewelshfriend8198]

I’m 20 seconds in and agree boyce should play 10

[@bigmike8302]

The Habana line is so good😂

[@olivermpereira1999]

Oo I do love a classic squidge celebration of all rugby has to offer while not shying away from the ugly stuff and instead actively challenging it. Brilliant work lads

[@matthewh8812]

31:50 we've also seen the scarlets 😂. Bit of humour from a Jack is something new

[@christopherwilliams1842]

Love that you can really tell your anger towards WRU at the end there, brilliant video all round

[@stephendavies-hale6348]

Could really feel it couldn’t you, I hope those at the top watch this..

[@SHRWM]

I remember smashing my nose in during a pre game warm up against glynneath and max boyce was on the sideline and said “great start”

[@mattbibbings]

Much needed airing of the true problems that need solving in Welsh rugby.

[@nathanmcgowan5198]

Great video. The bit about the WRU at the end was incredibly well put together without falling into the abusive pitfalls of the internet. As an Englishman living in Wales (and the Ospreys region) I've been shocked by the appalling handling of the Regions by the WRU and I do wonder how they can can justify their continued mismanagement as now the International team starts to suffer with issues like the No 10 one you mentioned in the video.

[@pabanstanislas8308]

Rhys Patchell is killing it in Super Rugby ! He looks so big and fit and he is just 30

[@dhchilton3323]

A few years ago I went to support my local team at the Regional finals in the (then) Millenium Stadium. There was a pre-match reception attended by 80+ invitees, WRU officers etc. The Clubs, the reason for the occasion, were allowed to send two representatives each.

[@geraintwilliams5034]

Wow, possibly your best yet! We should be angry, but we should also be hopeful. We have quite a few players who have stepped up this season. Some too, who seem genuinely likeable and not up their own fundament..

[@eljefe1342]

Tom Brady throw in got me laughing

[@garyt1119]

Thank you, I like the "from the heart" bit at the end

[@HammerbaneEU]

Dan Edwards will be the future of the 10 shirt. Good tactical kicker, reads the game very well, good pace and has the size for a Gatland team. Give him another season or 2 and he'll be starting as long as he doesn't get scooped up by a prem/French team.

[@wellyllew4131]

Deeply enjoyed that video! Been a fan of yours for a few years, and I'm so grateful to see someone finally talking about how messed up the regional rugby in Wales is!

[@DarceG-jh1ik]

The reference to Bryan Habana’s youtube ad is so smooth, solid gold

[@shaneosullivan3358]

We've seen the scarlets ...😅😅😅

[@HowlinWilf13]

What a great video that was, Squidge! I've been feeling depressed about the state of Welsh rugby since listening to Sam Warburton reacting to being crushed by France last weekend, and your clip has has made me feel a lot more hopeful! From a sympathetic Gloucester/England fan.

[@SuperRichJones]

Brilliant video which made me hopeful for the future while crying for now. I hope everyone at the WRU watches this and after bowing their heads in shame make those much needed changes.

[@danzigspoiler6105]

teared up at the end when you mentioned the cardiff young guns

[@ludejo1595]

That was powerful. Just a good as all your rugby insights videos, but emotionally driven to a level above.

[@porcinistan]

You’re best yet. Brilliant

[@glasblaidd]

That end burntme to my old soul thank you

[@owenpritchard9573]

Best video to date, I've been waiting for this!

[@-Zippy2707]

I have felt like Wales' 9 and 10 have been neglected in the game plan for a while. Usually forced to use strict rules that don't suit them.

[@stu8758]

Wales haave options at 10, but they're too unconventional for the constraints of Warrenball, something has to give

[@hamdoggius]

My Highlanders thank you for sending Rhys Patchell to our shores. xoxo

[@charlottescott7150]

Well said Robbie. I hope the funding/support for the players improves.

[@chrislamb8758]

An absolute masterpiece. 👏

[@pablosky579]

Your best ever video as of yet, and the most important. congrats guys

[@99PTR99]

"Much like an opponent Bryan Habana once faced" 😂 How long have you been waiting to use that one?

[@theodoreroberts8524]

I had always just assumed the game was considerably bigger in Ireland than in Wales and that's how they support 4 provinces whilst we struggle to support 4 regions. Whilst I was aware of "mismanagement" issues in Wales hadn't realised the percentage invested back into the regions would be that starkly different. Does make you wonder whether Gatland being a world class coach has ended up having the long term negative effect of helping to paper over the cracks in the system by getting the national team to punch above it's weight.

[@sailingmrnice]

This video is both a work of art and a seminal vent of epic clarity.

[@markwebbdoesms2271]

Max Boyce, fabulous!

[@paulmdevenney]

I wasn't expecting the end of this video. I feel it should have been the headline! Love your content.

[@woofwife]

Incredible video, thank you!

[@StopTheRot]

Beautiful video. Superb. A few stats… Costelow. 8 games against tier one nations. While he’s on the pitch (5 hours and 3 minutes): Points for: 29 Points against: 164 In the other 5 hours and 37 minutes during those 8 games, with the other 10 playing: Points for: 162 Points against: 73 ‘Maverick’ Lloyd has this: Minutes at 10: 131 Points for: 40 Points against: 23

[@tsano19]

What a crescendo to end this great work

[@rhysmorris5744]

we've also seen the scarlets" I SPAT MY DRINK OUT

[@jonnyalcock2951]

This video gets better and better as it goes on, chwarae teg.

[@williamluckhurst5646]

Took me back, still wish Patchell got more of a go

[@harryenglish358]

One of your best videos brilliant work

[@hoggiegaming1749]

Loving the return to the original content recently as well as the podcast being back

[@peterwilliams1706]

Fantastic, especially the comments about the WRU.

[@jace8603]

Absolutely brilliant video Squidge. Diolch yn fawr i ti.

[@stephendavies-hale6348]

Outstanding work Squidge, Diolch!

[@dragonsteve3090]

Love this analysis. It’s really positive that you think there are a few potentially world-class players coming through, even though none of them are remotely polished. Your analysis of the WRU situation is devastating. What I think you’re saying is that the “factory for outside-halves” has been replaced by a portakabin in Treorchy and a half-hearted apprenticeship scheme with a bit of work experience thrown in. There’s a lot of pressure on the incoming WRU board to change and get the game right from grass-roots up, otherwise the raw talent will either go to England for the education or to other sports for the money - and then our outside halves will come from a bus shelter in Llanelli.

[@lucwilcox4667]

Love your videos

[@huwwebb8059]

“… we’ve also seen the scarlets” 😂 Nailed it with the WRU criticism

[@MarmiteTheDog]

Beautifully realised video, Squidge... and I'm a bloody Englishman! ❤

[@davidjones272]

Great video squidge, first time I've ever seen even a brief analysis into the WRU (seriously what are the likes of Scrum V doing).

[@lukeperks1915]

Where do you see the role of the 10 heading with the popularity of developing attacks where every back line player calls the shapes and throws the passes ?

[@user-xu4rs5hp4n]

NEW SQUIDGY VIDEO 😍

[@paulbassett9732]

Thank you, thank you so much 👌👌👌

[@neilsoncoombs4319]

Yes the video we've been waiting for. Bollocks to the Wru. I hope everyone of them sees this and feels truly embarrassed by their incompetence. But going by the insane hoops they are currently making Welsh premiership sides jump through I don't imagine anything will change soon

[@surfing3333]

Wet myself laughing just north of minute 22. Gwych as always squidge, diolch!

[@lewiscook9839]

Just watched this and now all I can think is you’ve got one hell of a hard choice what game to cover from this weekend so far with England beating Ireland and Italy beating Scotland

[@mhorlor]

Great vid.

[@fergalmackle1351]

Great stuff

[@abewalker100]

Enjoyed the forthright debate about the fortunes of the Wales No.10 and who is most likely to step up. Then something seemed to be missing . So I Waited … thinking surely there’s going to be some clever slide into an ad or promotion. Not this time / oh no. Instead got the WRU getting the boot of truth straight in their overpaid nuts. Beautiful work Squidge . Just Beautiful ❤

[@mrwelshmun]

I had no idea the money situation was so bad with the WRU. Its disgusting

[@mikesummers-smith4091]

It's not just the WRU. There was a Scottish player recalled to the national team who was told he wasn't getting a new pair of socks because he'd been issued with a perfectly good pair the last time he'd played, just before WWII.

[@johndeane2485]

Excellent video, really hope Welsh rugby regions get the funding they deserve and stay and become competitive in the URC

[@richieclark882]

Excellent video, great job calling out the WRU

[@neilwebber7749]

Brilliant Squidge. Rightfully angry at the WRU. Guess what advert I got half way through?

[@warrust]

The Anton Dupont of website?

[@tafowen]

Spot on bro

[@jacobhughes43]

Squidge for WRU CEO

[@tonycollins2708]

Ouch truth hurts , being saying the same thing for a while , 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 rugby is my passion , Great vid bud ✌️👍🏻

[@jeffwatts4264]

your highlighting of the wru mismanagement of welsh rugby is brilliant , pointing out the 'suits' going off on their jollys at the expense of the needs of grassroots players and facilities ., keep up the great work and dont let up on them , perhaps more of the ex players will join the chorus ?

[@ethanwaitforitdavis]

That last 10mins…. Wow! Love the effort in exposing the WRUs mismanagement of the game over here. Hope conversations like this will help in making things better 🤞

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

So glad you pointed out the crazy mess the WRU have got us in. The stark difference in the funding % with the IRU is just a damning endorsement of where we’re going wrong. If there not careful rugby in Wales will slowly die off over the next 10 years Amazing analysis as always mate. “Just how slow was his mum is”creased me 👏🏼😂

[@TomDaf1]

Did not expect a Larry Clark reference 😅

[@peadarr]

“Inside inside centre” Six sixteenth or first and half five eighth?

[@geraintjones5378]

best video you've made

[@porcupineinapettingzoo]

Mrs Evans would like a word with you!

[@lactoseexotics9823]

Current rumour is Anscombe has signed for Gloucester for next season 👀

[@Andrew-yb1uv]

Superb. I will not be renewing my WRU debenture.

[@f19chy46]

After asking for this video for a few years, I didn't expect it to turn into a rant against how shit the WRU are, and yet, its probably the best way you could've desrcibed the situation. Anyway, day 1 of asking for a Rhys Henry highlight reel

[@peterdavies8077]

Brilliant

[@silvercfox7366]

As a small nation we need to get rid of the cap rule and pick our best players wherever they are playing and look to welsh born English players to get some depth

[@gbsixty]

'And yet since finding the only club in Britain and Ireland somehow more unserious than Bristol Bears'.....I'm dead

[@artjacob5359]

After witnessing the lamentable performance vs Italy yesterday, as much as I feel sorry for Costellow being thrown in the deep end, he can't seem to work out whether he's waving or drowning. there was a marked difference when Lloyd came on. That said the gameplan with one up runners and aimless kicking was all over the place. It's just not good enough to have ruck speed delivery so slow it looks like it was run by Royal Mail and then the backline static to recieve the ball, all the other teams in the 6N are moving at twice the speed of Wales.

[@johnhill7010]

As a Welshman it makes me want to cry

[@AgarPapooz]

"Best side in the world "...my man not giving the boks it's flowers

[@harryjackson7]

😂 the Bryan Habana slow to turn joke

[@morgasm657]

We've also seen the scarlets😂

[@yvonnemullen3325]

I beg you to put this up again with the title ‘ladies and gentlemen….welsh rugby’.

[@billymaguire3312]

So proud of these players and more falch o bod yn Gymraeg!

[@cameronjeffrey9003]

I feel the same problem has developed in New Zealand with the number 7, I mean Sam cane was hated by New Zealanders because he wasn’t as legendary as the 3 before him, I mean he is expected to be as good as RICHIE MCCAW, josh Kronfeld and MICHAEL JONES.

[@hyllaf]

Shout out: Arwel Thomas

[@stuartmackenzie2429]

Enjoyed that. Always felt as a neutral viewer that Patchell was the most talented Welsh 10 of recent times, sorry he's not yet had an extended period in the shirt.

[@zanezeik]

what was that first image?

[@rhydz_jones]

Steff Jac Jones is a great prospect and I hope he can kick on over the next few years

[@samwhite4521]

Anscombe needed for now. Hawkins was apparently the plan at 10 pre Costelow and pre his move to Exeter. Patch currently doing fantastic things in super rugby and apparently still eligible because of a loophole. Not sure about costelow at all. Lloyd has some potential if he works on his game management

[@stephendavies-hale6348]

At the end of this 6N campaign, I hope this is screened for all those at the top of the WRU……

[@GiveMeBourbon]

I didn't think I could dislike the WRU anymore, proven wrong!