Alex Mann regularly faces criticism on social media, yet the Cardiff back-rower remains highly regarded by Wales' coaching staff and his team-mates. Much of the scrutiny centres on his physical profile, with some supporters preferring a bigger, more imposing presence at blindside flanker.
However, there is considerably more to Mann's game than sheer size, and his importance to this Wales back row should not be underestimated. When it comes to the Wales back row, Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright are usually the players who attract the greatest acclaim.
The Selfless Work Behind the Stars
Those who have played alongside Mann suggest the Cardiff flanker deserves considerable credit for allowing his more celebrated colleagues to flourish. His contribution is less conspicuous, but no less important. Mann is a relentless presence in defence and, according to one coach, shows little regard for his own wellbeing when putting his body on the line.
It is that selfless work which helps free Morgan and Wainwright to carry more frequently, particularly in the wider channels, where their attacking qualities can have a greater impact. Mann's presence in the side takes some of the defensive workload away from Morgan, leaving the Gloucester star to carry more. It is not too dissimilar to the work Dan Lydiate did, which allowed Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau to shine.
A Record-Breaking Defensive Display
In the narrow defeat to Ireland in Dublin last season, Mann made a Six Nations record of 33 tackles. Following that match in March, Wales defence coach Steve Tandy praised the 24-year-old's potential.
"With 'Manny' there's so much more to come," said Tandy. "He's still a young man and is getting used to backing up Test matches. He's a massive ball player for us. With the game how it is now, you need forwards who can play like backs and I believe Manny can do that. He's got the ability on both sides of the ball and his lineout and kick chase work is exceptional as well."
Mann is also known as a horrible player to play against, with his combative nature getting under the skin of opposition players, as was evident with Eben Etzebeth during Wales' clash with South Africa last year. He is also a skillful player, with his tip-on passes, often at the point of contact, a weapon in his armoury.
Building Physical Presence
Wales assistant coach Dan Lydiate also spoke highly of Mann in March. "He is some talent and is a young man with a hell of an engine who reads the game really well on both sides of the ball," said Lydiate. "You've got to have the will and want to keep putting your body in front of people, which he has in abundance. He is a very good rugby player and you know what he will deliver no matter the number on his back."
While he may not possess the physical dimensions of some of the leading back-rowers on the international stage, Mann has worked hard to add extra weight and build the physical presence required to compete at the highest level. He is 6kg heavier ahead of the new season as he prepares for the demands of the Nations Championship.
"I'm about 5kg to 6kg up," Mann said in September. "I think Steve has been really good with that. I had a conversation with Steve and he just spoke about performances. I think I've got to realise what I'm good at as well. Growing up and chasing certain numbers on a scale doesn't necessarily mean you are going to be a better rugby player on the pitch. It's how it works within my game and I've been working hard on that behind the scenes with the S&C coaches on how to do the work in the gym to see performances out on the pitch."
Ultimately, Mann is unlikely to win every supporter over, nor does he need to. His value to this Wales side is measured in the work that often goes unnoticed rather than the moments that make the highlights. In a team that has too often lacked the physicality and defensive resilience required at Test level, those qualities make him an increasingly important figure in Tandy's plans.
