Rugby in Wales: Freddie Thomas hopes new-look Wales rises from ‘dark spot’

Thomas, 23, says Wales desperately need a win over Japan in Kobe last July to ease the mounting pressure.

“It was huge, and we were in a dark place, especially going to Japan knowing we had to go there and win,” Thomas said.

“We weren’t shy about it. Our whole ambition going into that round was to get the win and put an end to it for a while.

“Everyone felt great. The pressure was building, so it was good to clean up that slate and put that behind us.”

Thomas is primarily a lock, but is also an option on the blind side if Tandy is looking at optioning a larger forward package.

“Generally I don’t really care, I just want to play,” Thomas said.

“Obviously I’m playing both at Gloucester. All over the park, my game doesn’t change, I try to play the same way.

“Maybe it’s different around the set-piece.

“I would like to see myself as more of a lock who can play as a six, rather than a six who can play as a lock, but whatever or wherever gets me in the team, I will happily play.”