Gatland has a welcome headache at inside centre with Ben Thomas and Eddie James impressing enough to divide Scrum V pundits Alex Cuthbert and Richie Rees.
Thomas was hailed the best back in Wales by Gatland but former Wales wing Cuthbert believes James’ size could edge it.
“I’m not sure having Gareth Anscombe and Thomas at 10 and 12 will be as defensively strong as Warren Gatland would want,” said the 58-cap ex-wing.
“That’s when you start looking at someone like Eddie James, who is big, has good hands and has a kicking game as well.
“It could be a great battle between him and Thomas for the 12 jersey and a great headache for Warren to have.”
But former Cardiff coach Rees retorted: “People don’t give Ben enough credit for his defence and he’s a very good ball carrier.”
Nick Tompkins, meanwhile, gave a reminder of his credentials with his first try of the season for Saracens against Leicester.
