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Steve Tandy named his Six Nations squad under the cloud of murky off-field politics in Welsh rugby
In a week like this, it’s incredibly hard to muster the enthusiasm to look ahead to the upcoming Six Nations.
Despite Steve Tandy naming his Wales squad this week, Welsh rugby finds itself in a sorry mess off the field – with the past few days seeing the Welsh Rugby Union’s board choose Ospreys owners Y11 as their preferred bidder for Cardiff. Naturally, quite who Tandy then chose to pick on Tuesday paled into insignificance somewhat.
From now until the end of the tournament, there’s going to be a giant spectre haunting this Wales squad. A squad that once again find themselves thrust into the uncomfortable position of chasing performance through the mire of off-field nonsense.
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It’s a grim situation, especially heading into a tournament that Wales haven’t won a game in since 2023.
Avoiding a third consecutive wooden spoon is the first bridge to cross for Tandy, with the fixture list hardly kind to Wales.
Perhaps the most favourable fixture – Italy at home – comes at the end of the tournament, with the campaign beginning with a trip to Allianz Stadium to face England.
After Steve Borthwick’s side hammered Wales in Cardiff last year, it promises to be a difficult trip to London.
Looking at the squad, there are perhaps some clues as to how Wales could play.
Starting in the backline, the lack of Cam Winnett or Jacob Beetham would suggest Louis Rees-Zammit is being viewed as a full-back rather than a wing, given that is where he has played recently for Bristol.
Aerially, he will be safer than Blair Murray – although the Scarlets back did establish himself as a Test regular in his first season in Wales.
On the wings, Josh Adams would be a safe option, but Tandy might keep faith with the finishing and aerial ability of Tom Rogers on the one wing after his hat-trick against the All Blacks in the autumn.
Left wing does tend to throw up the most try-scoring opportunities in a Matt Sherratt attack, as shown by his time with Cardiff, but Rogers still took his chances well against New Zealand.
On the other wing, using the size of Mason Grady could be a tempting one. Wales desperately need ball carriers.
That could also see a case made for Eddie James in midfield, given he’s looked decent in terms of carrying in the 13 jersey for the Scarlets.
However, Owen Watkin might be a safer pair of hands going away to England, partnering former Ospreys team-mate Joe Hawkins – who has had to spend most of the time between the autumn campaign wearing the 10 jersey.
For Wales, that will still belong to Dan Edwards, with Tomos Williams nailed on to partner him.
In the pack, it will be interesting to see whether Tomas Francis is brought straight back in. Tighthead has been a bit of a problem position, but after two years in Pro D2, Francis is an unknown quantity at Test level now.
He was always a reliable option in the front-row, but it’s a little different being asked to plug in and play after two years in France’s second tier – with his last cap being in the 2023 World Cup.
Alongside him, captain Dewi Lake is a nailed-on starter, but loosehead could be interesting. Nicky Smith is the best scrummager, but Rhys Carre offers a strong carrying threat.
Perhaps, if Francis is brought back in, Smith makes more sense – even if Tandy seemed content with starting with Carre in the autumn.
The second-rows are unlikely to change. Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins are the best options in the squad, with Rhys Davies unlucky to miss out.
As for the back-row, James Botham, Josh Macleod and Aaron Wainwright could provide the best balance, although Alex Mann pushed his case forward in the autumn, while Harri Deaves is thought of highly by the Wales coaches.
There’s also Olly Cracknell to consider who, while not flash, does provide a solid carrying option.
Possible Wales XV: Louis Rees-Zammit; Mason Grady, Owen Watkin, Joe Hawkins, Tom Rogers; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham, Josh Macleod, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rhys Carre, Keiron Assiratti, Ben Carter, Olly Cracknell, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Eddie James
