Is Sam the man who can finally fill Biggar boots?

COSTELOW HAS TALENT BUT NOW MUST MAKE N.10 SHIRT HIS OWN

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TWO years ago, Welsh rugby was still processing the news that Dan Biggar would be hanging up his boots at the end of the World Cup in France.

The latest in the long line of Welsh 10s to wear that famous jersey, bearing all the slings and arrows that come with that position.

"Wales and the No. 10 shirt have an almost unhealthily close relationship," the late Eddie Butler once wrote.

"The vulnerability of little facing big, the chance to strut: it's Wales all over."

The succession plan at the time seemed obvious.

Sam Costelow had impressed at U20s level and had just helped guide the Scarlets to a Challenge Cup semifinal.

Biggar had taken him under his wing that summer, not only offering advice, but gifting him the laundry duty in camp that Biggar had held for 15 years.

Two years on though and Wales' 10 jersey is still up for grabs.

Life after Biggar hasn't been easy. In fairness, given the way things have transpired in the last two years, Phil Bennett or Barry John would have probably struggled.

The jersey has flitted around as Wales went 18 Tests without victory, with Costelow sharing duties along with Ioan Lloyd, Ben Thomas, Gareth Anscombe and finally Dan Edwards.

Throughout that, Costelow has become an easy target for some fans.