Wales' rugby fortunes are not improving quickly, with head coach Steve Tandy insisting that the journey back to competitiveness is a long one. After a win over Fiji, Wales lost to Argentina and South Africa, with their attack failing to make an impact in both matches. This has led to growing calls for a change in midfield plans, specifically for a more physical inside centre.
Current Midfield Strategy Under Scrutiny
Tandy has used a ball-playing 12 in all his Test matches, starting either Joe Hawkins or Ben Thomas. However, after Wales were kept scoreless in Durban, the clamour for a physical presence at inside centre has intensified. Statistics show that Llewellyn carried the ball just once against South Africa, and Louis Rees-Zammit only twice, as Wales struggled to get the ball to their dangerous runners. Defensively, Thomas missed four tackles, matching Hawkins' tally against Argentina, highlighting Wales' inability to contain opponents' physicality.
Alternative Options for Wales
Wales' alternatives include moving Eddie James to 12, while English-based Bryn Bradley and injured Louie Hennessey offer physicality and skills. Former Wales captain Sam Warburton said on ITV: "I would always pick Eddie James and I would always pick Max Llewellyn. I think it takes a certain type of player to play international rugby. It's different to the club game. International rugby is very, very different to club rugby. That's why I would pick those players. They've got the physicality and skillset to play at this level."
Pundits and Fans Weigh In
Ex-Wales fly-half James Hook noted Wales are "crying out for physicality" and have players like Eddie James available. Former Wales duo Jonathan Davies and Gareth Anscombe also raised concerns ahead of the South Africa match. Davies said on Scrum V: The Warm Up: "Ben and Max were the preferred centre partnership way back last November... Do I think it's the right choice? I don't. I would have liked to see Eddie move to 12 and play Max at 13. Eddie's best position is 12 and he has ball-playing ability that he hasn't shown a lot of in his first few caps for Wales." Anscombe added that Wales are "lacking a bit of go-forward" and need to win the middle part of the field to open up edges. Fans have also joined the call, with one saying on X: "Feel sorry for Eddie James today. Feels like a wasted rotation."
