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Steve Tandy has rolled the dice and made significant changes – albeit few in number
13:35, 09 Jul 2026Updated 13:41, 09 Jul 2026
Steve Tandy has tinkered with his side following last Saturday’s victory over Fiji, but the changes he has made are significant.
The decision to start Sam Costelow ahead of Dan Edwards is certain to divide opinion, yet there is a compelling case for it.
Edwards is an exciting young fly-half with genuine pace and a natural instinct to attack the line. He backs himself, embraces responsibility and is not afraid to make decisive interventions.
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Against Fiji, however, he fell short of his usual standards, particularly from the kicking tee. It was a reminder that, for all his promise, he remains a player developing at Test level.
There is little doubt he will benefit from the experience but getting dropped from the entire 23 must be a bitter poll to swallow.
Costelow’s path has been very different. He has endured a difficult introduction to international rugby, thrust into a struggling side before he had the opportunity to establish himself.
But it is a huge risk not selecting a genuine 10 on the bench and Wales will need Costelow to play the enitre 80 minutes.
Operating behind a pack that was often on the back foot is a demanding assignment for any fly-half, let alone one still finding his feet in Test rugby.
The Scarlets playmaker has always appeared to thrive on confidence. After some difficult moments early in his Wales career, there are growing signs that he is ready to fulfil the potential that first earned him international recognition.
His display against Scotland in this year’s Six Nations was arguably the strongest performance of his Test career.
Wales looked a less cohesive side after he was forced off through injury and it is likely Tandy’s side would have emerged victorious had he stayed on the field.
What Costelow offers is greater control. He gives Wales more structure in possession, distributes intelligently and has a knack for bringing those outside him into the game.
He also possesses a quiet toughness in defence, repeatedly putting his body on the line despite not being the biggest player on the field.
Ellis Mee may not possess the explosive pace of Rees-Zammit, but he is an intelligent and assured player, adept at running incisive lines in attack while proving a reliable presence under the high ball.
Wales can expect a much greater aerial challenge than the one posed by Fiji, who were intent on playing with ball in hand.
In Santa Fe, dominance under the high ball will be crucial; if Wales are beaten in that department and are second to the resulting scraps, their hopes of securing victory in this Test will be severely compromised.
Another area where Wales must establish dominance is at the breakdown.
Argentina bring an intimidating level of physicality to this contest, but Wales will need to find ways of disrupting their speed and effectiveness at the tackle area.
Tandy’s decision to select James Botham from the outset underlines the importance placed on this battle.
Botham impressed as a replacement against Fiji and brings relentless energy, physicality and a proven ability to make his presence felt over the ball.
His work at the breakdown could prove crucial against a formidable Argentina pack.
Welsh supporters will also relish the prospect of seeing Kane James make his first appearance in a Wales jersey.
Securing the services of the former England Under-20s back-rower represents a significant coup for Tandy and could prove highly beneficial as Wales continue to build for the future.
The 21-year-old brings a potent blend of energy, physicality and explosive power.
While he may not be the biggest player on the field, the Exeter Chiefs forward is a dynamic ball carrier and an athlete capable of producing game-changing moments.
Wales’ replacements played a decisive role in helping them edge past Fiji, and they will need a similarly significant impact from the bench during the final quarter against the Pumas.
Tandy’s side enjoyed clear dominance at scrum time against Fiji, and it was a significant factor in securing victory. However, they can expect a far greater examination in Santa Fe.
While Argentina may not possess the same level of scrummaging supremacy they once did, their set-piece remains a formidable challenge and one Wales cannot afford to underestimate.
Much will depend on Dragons tighthead Dillon Lewis, who will be tasked with providing the stability and authority required to anchor the Welsh scrum.
If Wales can nail the set-piece, match Argentina physically and take their chances they stand a realistic chance of winning.
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