Just what is Wales' identity right now?

Dan Biggar says Wales need to work out what sort of side they want to be

What type of team are Wales aiming to be? Pic credit: Huw Evans Photo Agency

It’s hard to know what iteration of Warrenball we’re on now, or quite exactly what that entails.

Warrenball 2.0? Or did we move past that long ago?

Wales’ identity is often the source for much debate in this country. When Gatland was in charge during his first reign, the gripe was always that Wales didn’t offer enough in attack.

In truth, there’s not really been a time since, whether it was Wayne Pivac in his spell or now Gatland in his second stint, where those complaints didn’t still exist.

Wales’ attack - and as a result, their identity - will always tend to be questioned. In fairness, with line breaks at a minimum in a winless 2024, that’s understandable.

Of course, Wales’ attack is just a facet of their wider philosophy. But what exactly is that?

Former fly-half Dan Biggar, who retired from Test rugby after last year’s World Cup, admitted he didn’t quite know during Sky Sports’ coverage of the first Test defeat in Sydney last Saturday.

"There were definitely some moments. They had moments, flashes. I didn't think Wales had periods of sustained pressure. It looked like two teams in transition figuring out how they want to play.

“I thought Sam Costelow added some real shape to the game. Ben Thomas had a tidy game, but they moved the ball to space when Sam Costelow came on, rather than just trying to win collisions. I think Wales have got to work out are they going to be a possession-based team or a territory-based team?

“Because if you're a territory-based team, you play all your rugby in the Australian half and you wait for mistakes, take your points and score from mauls. If you're a possession-based team, as they were when Sam Costelow came on the pitch, they looked to move the ball, keep the ball for large periods and look to test the defence.

“That's the big thing for the Welsh coaching staff this week. It's added by the pressure of losing again. it's eight on the spin. There'll be some leniency because of the new players coming in, but international rugby at the end of the day is about winning. The coaches there know that very well. If they don't get a result next week, some questions will be asked.”

From Biggar’s point of view, Wales are stuck somewhere between a possession and territory side.

There’s the added caveat that Wales’ efforts with ball in hand through Costelow came when Wales were chasing the game late on. Rarely in recent years have those moments late in game while behind on the scoreboard translated to an 80-minute plan.

So just what is Wales’ current identity? And what should it be moving forward?