So where have all the fly-halves gone?

SINCE the last World Cup, Wales have picked eight fly-halves. By the end of the next one, the majority will have disappeared in a clatter of hooves and clouds of dust.

- PETER JACKSON

Whatever their fate in France, six months from now a country renowned for breeding playmakers of supreme quality will be confronted with a rhetorical question of some magnitude: Where have all our fly-halves gone?

To Japan or France in the case of Gareth Anscombe, an option made all the more inevitable by the swingeing cuts imposed on a Welsh domestic game which has not been alone in living beyond its means for too long.

Dan Biggar will inevitably retire from Test rugby once Wales have come to the end of their road in France by which time he will have turned 34. The plan then will be to devote what time he has left towards restoring Toulon’s former glory.

Rhys Priestland, at 36 the oldest of the No.10 brigade, plans to hang up his boots at the end of next month rather than flog himself through another season on a cut-price deal.

Owen Williams, contracted to the Ospreys until next year, will be staying put but at 32 he has little realistic prospect of lasting long enough to be a serious contender for the World Cup after next.

Jarrod Evans, the only other 10 to start for Wales since the last global tournament, has been surplus to national requirements since the summer series against Argentina two years ago. Rather than hang on at Cardiff indefinitely, he has cut his losses and signed for Harlequins as second string to Marcus Smith.