We often talk about the luxury of riches Wales has on the openside flank, while there are also a wide array of quality options at half-back when everyone is fit.
But, right now, there’s another area of the team which is arguably the most competitive position in Welsh rugby - the centre.
All of a sudden, we have an absolute plethora of options at Wayne Pivac’s disposal amid the emergence of some fresh faces and the re-emergence of some familiar ones.
It all leaves him facing a welcome selection headache as he ponders over his midfield men for the coming international season.
So let’s have a look at the contenders.
Scott Williams
We’ll start with the player who is very much the man of the moment.
Rejuvenated hardly does it justice. Re-born might be a better description.
It’s more than two years since Williams won the last of his 58 caps, with his spell at the Ospreys having been plagued by injuries.
But now back at the Scarlets, he has hit the ground running in the opening two weeks of the season.
He was their best player up in Edinburgh and was outstanding once again in Friday night’s bonus point victory over the Lions.
It was pretty much a flawless display as he consistently made the right decisions in terms of when to pass, when to kick, when to run into space and when to take contact.
What really stood out was his distribution and if he keeps up this form he has to be a strong candidate not just for an autumn squad spot but the No 12 jersey against New Zealand.
Willis Halaholo
A summer trip to Auckland to see his family for the first time in three years was just what Halaholo said he needed to recharge the mental batteries after a full-on first season in international rugby.
And he’s certainly looked refreshed, showing off those hot-stepping skills, but also taking a leadership role, notably with the way he marshalled operations for Cardiff during last weekend’s victory over Connacht after they lost their two outside-halves, popping up at first receiver on the shoulder of Tomos Williams to score their second try.
An option in both centre berths, but admits he prefers 12 as he is closer to the action there and that's where he's lining up this season.
Jonathan Davies
Has already achieved a huge amount in his career as confirmed by his selection at 13 in the Greatest Ever Wales XV, as chosen by WalesOnline readers.
But he still wants more, having, by his own admission, struggled massively last season amid no crowds and his own “average” form.
He may not have quite the pace he once did, but he looks really fit and remains a powerful presence, with that trademark hand-off in good working order, while he appears to be relishing his reunion with Scott Williams in the Scarlets midfield.
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George North
It’s great to see him back running again in training after the knee ligament rupture which robbed of a place on the Lions tour.
The autumn internationals are going to come too soon for him, but he should be playing before Christmas and will very much come into the reckoning for the Six Nations, having made such an impact during the last Championship following his switch from the wing.
Johnny Williams
Hopefully we should see the 24-year-old back in action for the Scarlets in the next couple of weeks.
Having made a really positive debut during the Nations Cup, Williams went into the Six Nations as Wales’ first-choice 12 at the beginning of the year.
But he picked up a head injury in the first-half of the Championship opener against Ireland and wasn’t to play any further part in the title-winning campaign, while his season was then cut short by the shoulder surgery which he has been recently rehabbing.
There’s light at the end of the tunnel now though and Pivac is an admirer of the direct carrying and skill set he brings to the table.
Nick Tompkins
Featured in all three summer Tests against Canada and Argentina, taking his tally of caps to 13, and has been in fine form since rejoining Saracens following his loan spell at the Dragons.
Lining up at inside centre, he has been doing the basics well, running straight and hard and making his tackles. It hasn’t been particularly complicated, but it’s been effective, while his work-rate has been particularly impressive.
Came within seconds of playing his part in promoted Sarries going through their opening two Premiership games without conceding a try, only for Leicester to snatch the spoils with a match-winning penalty try in the final play on Saturday.
Owen Watkin
Having been a near constant presence in the Wales 23 during the final 18 months of Warren Gatland tenure, Watkin has only featured four times during Wayne Pivac’s two years in charge, amid injury issues and competition for places.
But he’s fully fit again now. Like Tompkins, he can slot in at either 12 or 13, but he is occupying the inside centre berth at present for the Ospreys. Was beaten to the bounce by the predatory Josh Adams on Saturday night, as the Cardiff winger reacted fastest to the ball coming back off the woodwork, but Watkin did carry strongly.
Ben Thomas
Offers that point of difference as a second playmaker at 12, having plentiful experience at outside-half.
Has that priceless gift of time on the ball and adds real quality in terms of his passing game, while he also provides a tactical kicking option and has the pace to challenge defenders on the outside.
The newest addition to Wales’ international contingent in midfield, having made an assured Test debut against Canada in July.
Happily now over a groin problem and was back on duty for Cardiff on Saturday night, coming on as a replacement in the URC meeting with the Ospreys.
Michael Collins
Someone Wayne Pivac knows well, with the Kiwi coach having brought him over from Otago to play for the Scarlets during the 2015-16 season, when he fluctuated between centre and full-back.
Born in Queenstown and capped by New Zealand U20s, he qualifies for Wales through his Llanelli grandfather.
After four years in Super Rugby with the Blues and Highlanders, he is now back in these parts and made a dream league debut for the Ospreys last week, earning the Man of the Match award for his two-try display away to the Dragons, hitting great angles for both of his touchdowns.
But he came back down to earth with a bump on Saturday night against Cardiff as he was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on and then had to hobble off after pulling up sharply with a leg injury.
Aneurin Owen
Still only 20, this uncapped Dragons youngster has time on his side. He also has bags of talent.
Has the physicality to take the ball up strongly and stand firm in defence, but also the creativity and decision-making of a schoolboy 10, with the handling ability to put people into space, as well as an eye for a gap to exploit himself.
A good test for him this weekend as he lines up against a Leinster team featuring Ireland star Garry Ringrose in midfield.
Keiran Williams
Was touted as a strong contender for Wales’ summer squad, having consistently caught the eye with his gainline-busting carries for the Ospreys.
Didn’t make the cut in the end, with Ben Thomas getting the nod.
Hasn’t figured for his region yet this season, but you are likely to notice him when he does as he’s a real pocket battleship.
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