Wales head coach Steve Tandy has explained why Josh Adams was left out of the starting side against New Zealand this weekend, despite scoring two tries against Japan last Saturday. The 31-year-old Cardiff wing will not be involved, with Leicester Tigers' Gabriel Hamer-Webb handed his second Test cap.
Rotation and opportunity
Tandy, speaking after naming his team on Thursday morning, said the decision was part of a planned rotation during the autumn internationals. "Four Test matches in a row is a pretty big ask for players," he said. "There will be some players in our squad who will do the four. But again, it's an opportunity to find out about others."
Adams, one of Wales' most experienced backs with only Tomos Williams holding more caps in the current squad, had been a reliable presence under Tandy in his first year in charge. Tandy praised Adams' contributions, both on and off the field, noting his return to play for Cardiff the week before to press for a starting berth.
Competition for places
"Josh has been outstanding. What he brings off the field to the group is massive," Tandy added. "But we've got Gabe Hamer-Webb, Ellis Mee, Macs Page and Tom Rogers. There's competition in that area. We feel it's an opportunity for Gabe to come in this weekend."
The decision to rest Adams for the visit of New Zealand signals which matches Wales are prioritising this autumn, with Tandy confirming the plan to rotate was always in place. "There's always that plan to rotate, especially in the autumn," he said. "In the Six Nations, it's a bit more about what the team is."
Hamer-Webb's rise
Hamer-Webb made his Wales debut earlier this year in the Six Nations against Scotland, enduring a difficult start to international rugby. Since then, he has scored 11 tries in the Premiership for Leicester following his debut in February.
Tandy praised Hamer-Webb's response to that first Test, saying he showed awareness and alignment. "Even on that Monday (after the Scotland game), when you spoke to Gabe, the awareness was there," Tandy said. "Some players would probably shy away from what the game was. But you didn't even need to go through it."
Hamer-Webb has broken into a Leicester side with Adam Radwan and Ollie Hassell-Collins in fine form, and Tandy believes he deserves the chance. "I think his intent around the chase, the growth in his recovery. I think he deserves this opportunity," he said.
