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Freddie Thomas carries the ball into contact during Wales’ open training session(Image: Chris Fairweather\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\nFreddie Thomas is expected to play a big part this autumnFreddie Thomas carries the ball into contact during Wales’ open training session(Image: Chris Fairweather\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\n
Wales lock Freddie Thomas says new head coach Steve Tandy has lifted standards and belief as the squad turns the page on its toughest spell.<\/p>\n
It has been a torrid time for Wales in recent times with a 31-22 victory over Japan in Kobe ending an 18-match losing streak. Wales’ struggles ultimately led to Warren Gatland<\/a> walking away from the job, with Tandy named as his long-term successor this summer.<\/p>\n It was a turbulent first season in Test rugby for Gloucester star Thomas, who made his Wales debut against South Africa last November.<\/p>\n Despite a difficult autumn schedule which includes Test matches against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa the 23-year-old is confident Wales’ fortunes will improve under Tandy. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.<\/a><\/p>\n “It has been good, really good. I obviously only had experience of last year, so we can only really go on that but compared to last year it’s been really positive,” said Thomas.<\/p>\n “I feel there’s a real energy around the group. I feel like in training, the quality has been better.<\/p>\n “The boys are speaking at meetings, being more confident, everyone seems to have a general buy-in to try and get this group as far as they can get. So it’s been really positive.<\/p>\n “I feel like it’s completely different to last year and just the way we train and what days we train.<\/p>\n “By tweaking most of the things it kind of gives it a new feel, like a full stop to our last era, putting that all behind us and really moving forward to kind of keep building as a team and make strides forward.<\/p>\n “It was massive (beating Japan to end losing streak). I think we were in a dark spot.<\/p>\n “I think especially going to Japan knowing potentially the quality of them, we had to go there and get a win.<\/p>\n “We didn’t shy away from that. Our whole ambition of that tour was to get a win.<\/p>\n “It wasn’t just to build, it was to get a win and put an end to that for a period of time. And then we could start building into the next period, so it was massive.<\/p>\n “I think everyone was just relieved. In the changing room afterwards, everyone was relieved. It was done.<\/p>\n “The weight of the pressure was building. So it was nice to just kind of clean that slate and put that behind us.”<\/p>\n Thomas was excellent in Wales’ victory over Japan in Kobe and has been playing well for Gloucester in the Gallagher Prem.<\/p>\n The former England U20s World Cup winner is a lock by trade but has been used at blindside flanker on a couple of occasions for the Cherry & Whites this season. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Considering the size and power of the Argentina pack, there is a school<\/a> of thought Wales may need to select a hybrid at blindside to counter what is a monstrous Pumas back-row.<\/p>\n Thomas fits the mould perfectly, but whether it’s at second-row or blindside it matters not to the Gloucester man as long as he takes the field.<\/p>\n “I generally don’t really care. I just want to play,” he said. “Obviously I play a bit of both at Gloucester.<\/p>\n “I’d like to see myself as more of a lock that can play six, rather than a six that can play lock. So whatever gets me in the squad – I’ll happily play!<\/p>\n “I kind of feel that around the park my game doesn’t change.<\/p>\n “I try and play the same way. It’s probably just around the set piece. When I’m in the second row I have more emphasis on the lineout and maul. I want more super strength and to use all my energy in that area.<\/p>\n “When I’m in the back row it’s probably more around the park, trying to be more effective. But I always try and play the same way. And if I’m in the second row, I can try and play that same way and get around the park.<\/p>\n “We’re all willing to do the same things. So whenever we’re trying to work on stuff, it’s always good to have boys who are in the same head space as you. It definitely helps.”<\/p>\n Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our<\/strong> free daily newsletter here<\/strong><\/a> and our <\/strong>WhatsApp channel here<\/strong><\/a> for all the breaking news.<\/strong><\/p>\n You can also follow us on social media on our <\/strong>X account<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Facebook<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> Instagram<\/strong><\/a> and<\/strong> TikTok.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n For more exclusive stories and in-depth analysis, you can <\/strong>sign up for the Inside Welsh Rugby substack newsletter here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n