Josh Adams has never been one to concern himself with his opposite number.
That is not because he doesn’t respect those who stand in front of him, but it comes from a total confidence in his own ability.
And why not? Adams took to Test rugby like a duck to water and is well on his way to leaving a legacy in the red jersey with his remarkable try-scoring statistics – 17 scores in his first 35 Tests.
But now there is talk of a positional switch.
Back in the autumn, head coach Wayne Pivac wanted to see what Adams could do at outside centre and he was poised to start there against Fiji only for the experiment to be scuppered by an injury during the warm-up.
There is some hope in the Welsh management that he could flourish in the position, much like George North did upon making the switch during the 2021 Six Nations.
Were he to get the No. 13 jersey for this weekend’s assignment in Dublin, Adams would go up against one of Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki or Robbie Henshaw.
Adams knows the latter duo from his time with the Lions last summer. Not that he’s too bothered about it all, though.
When asked if he had a preference over who he would like to face, he said: "Don’t mind. Any of them. It would not phase me, not at all."
There was a brief pause before he continued: "I don’t know Garry Ringrose personally. He is a fantastic player.
"I was on the tour with Bundee and Robbie and they are two terrific boys. Funnily enough I got on quite well with Bundee as well. They are great guys and great players as well."
As to whether the switch is on the horizon, it is a case of wait and see.
Adams has very limited time in that particular saddle but there is a lot to be said for getting the ball in the hands of your most dangerous attackers as often as possible.
"If that’s where the coaches think I am best fitted for the team, that will be an exciting challenge for myself," Adams insisted.
"I had a little cameo there against Toulouse a few weeks back with Cardiff.
"I enjoyed it. It was a different experience, maybe a bit more touches of the ball, a bit more of a voice communicating-wise.
"Wherever I am needed I will be more than happy. As long as I get to wear that red shirt, I am happy to play anywhere."
Attack coach Stephen Jones was also keeping his cards close to his chest.
Adams lining up in the midfield could well lead to a rethink in the back three and potentially the inclusion of Johnny McNicholl, who had some of his best games for Wales last autumn.
Interestingly, in the Scarlets’ last outing before coming into camp, McNicholl and Liam Williams switched, with the latter taking a place on the wing and McNicholl at No. 15.
"With Josh, he’s an incredible rugby player, as we all know, a world-class finisher," Jones said.
"Just look at the stats and they’ll tell you that – top try scorer at the last World Cup.
"His finishing ability is superb and he’s just a very good rugby player. We know he has the ability to play centre and we know he’s a world-class winger.
"It’s wonderful for us to have those options with players."
Want the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to you? Look no further.
