Ben Thomas says he is “trying not to think too much” about his new role as Wales flyhalf ahead of Saturday's second Test match against Australia.
Thomas was a surprise 10th-place selection for Wales in the first game of a two-match series which they lost 16-25 in Sydney last weekend.
The 25-year-old played the majority of his club rugby at inside centre for Cardiff last season, but was selected by Warren Gatland over Sam Costello for both games in Australia.
The second Test in Melbourne on Saturday Live on Sky Sports Action at 10.45amThis is Thomas' fourth international appearance, with last weekend being his first start for Wales after two substitute appearances in 2021.
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Watch Joe Schmidt's highlights from Australia's first Test win over Wales in Sydney.
“It was pretty good,” he said. Sky Sports News.
“To be fair, I've had a lot of help from the coaches over the last two weeks. It's been quite a new challenge, but I've enjoyed it. It's been really great.
“I think the Wales number 10 shirt can mean a lot of things, so it's important for me to appreciate the past, but also try not to think too much about it.
“It's a Test match, but it's still rugby. So I try to keep the balance.”
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Wales got back into the game thanks to a penalty try.
Thomas made just one start at flyhalf for Cardiff last season, wearing the No.12 shirt for the remaining 16 games, but he believes the nature of the role at the club has prepared him well for this opportunity.
“I'm pretty comfortable. The way I play at Cardiff at No. 12, I find myself playing a lot as the first receiver, so it's not a huge difference for me,” he said.
“At 12 you definitely get more minutes, but I think at 10 it's about finding that balance between being a playmaker and leading the team around the pitch and putting them in the right places.
“The 10th challenge would probably be the game management aspect, but I enjoyed the challenge and it's something I want to continue to improve on.”
'Wales try to turn losing habit around'
Last Saturday's defeat extended Wales' losing streak to eight games, the first since a run that began in the final match of last year's Rugby World Cup.
Some of those losses were narrow, with the upset in Sydney being the latest example of a disappointing defeat for Gatland's team in a game they looked set to win.
Thomas said it was “non-negotiable” for Wales to end their winning run and break their “habit” of defeat on Saturday.
“I think we were all incredibly frustrated with how we lost last week,” he said.
“We had ample opportunities to win that game but ultimately we weren't clinical enough. So this week it's non-negotiable for us to win.
“I think that's probably the most important thing. If you start losing games, it can become a habit, so we're trying to turn it around and make winning a habit.
“So I think we have to get over the line first, and then hopefully we can start learning how to win close games.”
Wales play Australia in the final Test of the series on Saturday. Sky Sports Action From 10.30am (kick-off at 10.45am) – England v New Zealand will be broadcast live on the same channel just before. Stream the 2024 Rugby Summer Internationals and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. Cancel anytime, no contract.
