The 22-year-old Scarlets player was named in Gatland’s starting XV replacing regional teammate Sam Costelow who misses the contest after suffering a neck injury in the 27-26 defeat against Scotland in Wales’ opening Six Nations game.
Gatland has played down the injury, but it exposes Wales’ lack of cover at ten with Dragons Cai Evans the obvious replacement if need.
Evans was named on the replacements bench despite having only started two professional games at fly-half for the region this year but does have experience from a stint in Wales Under-20s in 2019.
Cardiff scrum-half Tomos Williams impressed playing at fly-half for the conclusion of Wales’ match against Barbarians in the Autumn and was highlighted as a future option by Gatland but also without the experienced Gareth Davies is an unlikely change.
The outside options of Ospreys duo Owen Williams and breakthrough star Dan Edwards don’t seem to be in the conversation at the current time, whilst Bristol fly-half Callum Sheedy is out with a knee injury and Harlequins Jarrod Evans is ineligible.
“On Tuesday, he felt his hamstring was a bit tight and they treated him after the training session,” said Gatland speaking about Lloyd.
“It was a bit of neural stuff. They didn’t think it was a strained hamstring, just someone probably doing things quicker and faster than usual, and he tightened up.
“He got through today all right and having spoken to the physios yesterday, they didn’t think it was going to be an issue.
“He’s been working hard on his kicking game and strategy with Neil Jenkins.
“That’s one area he was ok at when he came on, but it’s a big area of improvement. We can see what a quality footballer and running threat he is.”
“I think if he can build on what he did last week… he probably realises there’s less space and not so many opportunities as a running threat at Test level.
“It maybe only happens once or twice a half. His game management is pretty important.
“Also, his communication with his outside backs and forwards, scanning and seeing what options are on. He’s still very young in terms of experience, particularly at 10.
“It’s his first start there in international rugby. Hopefully he continues to grow and goes well.”
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
