Wales Hand Debut to Hamer-Webb and Start Costelow for Scotland Six Nations Clash

Wales Introduce Debutant and New Fly Half for Pivotal Six Nations Encounter

Wales have announced a team featuring a debutant and a significant change at fly half for their upcoming Six Nations clash with Scotland in Cardiff. Gabriel Hamer-Webb will earn his first cap on the wing, while Sam Costelow has been given the starting role at number 10, as head coach Steve Tandy seeks to revitalise his side after heavy defeats to England and France.

Fresh Faces and Tactical Adjustments in Welsh Lineup

Hamer-Webb, who has been in impressive recent form for Leicester Tigers, replaces Ellis Mee in the back three. Costelow gets the nod ahead of Dan Edwards at fly half, forming an all-Scarlets midfield combination. In the forwards, Ben Carter partners Dafydd Jenkins in the second row, with Taine Plumtree providing additional size and mobility on the blindside flank.

From the bench, lock Freddie Thomas, flanker James Botham, and full-back Blair Murray are all in line for their first appearances of the championship campaign. Wales are desperately seeking their first Six Nations victory since 2023, adding considerable pressure to this home fixture.

Coach Tandy Emphasises Freshness and Consistency

"There are some changes to the team this week," explained head coach Steve Tandy. "We feel this is the best team to take on Scotland and with a six-day turnaround you want some freshness as well going into the game."

"It's our third game of the championship. We want to build on our performance. We want to see more consistent moments and back-to-back moments, which we feel if we get we'll be closer to getting the outcome we want from games," Tandy added, highlighting the need for improved execution.

Hamer-Webb's Unconventional Journey to Welsh Jersey

The Bath-born wing has taken an alternative route into the Welsh set-up. As a teenager, he had trials with Southampton Football Club before embarking on a nomadic rugby career that included a stint with Southland in New Zealand.

Hamer-Webb joined Leicester from Cardiff at the start of the season and earned a contract extension in December, despite initially limited opportunities behind Adam Radwan and Ollie Hassell-Collins. He has since impressed with increased playing time following an injury to Radwan.

"Gabe has really impressed me in the way he's attacked training, the way he's learnt, the way he's adapted and the way he's just settled into the squad. His training efforts have been outstanding," Tandy said of the debutant.

"Then when you dig into his background at Leicester, even when he wasn't in the team, everyone said he was an amazing team player. He also kept pushing, he never gave up and then when he had his Leicester opportunity he took it with two hands and now this opportunity has come up and it's thoroughly deserved," the coach elaborated.

Historical Context and Team Announcement

Scotland ended a 22-year wait for a win in Cardiff on their last visit to the Principality Stadium in 2024, though they almost squandered a 27-point lead on that dramatic occasion. Interestingly, Tandy previously served as Gregor Townsend's defence coach before taking charge of Wales last summer.

Wales XV to face Scotland in Cardiff (Saturday 21 February, 4.40pm GMT):