The reaction to Wales' autumn squad has focused less on those who made Steve Tandy's selection and more on those who were left out, a sign of growing depth in areas where there was previously little.
Tommy Reffell, injured at the time of the squad announcement, was not included, while Taulupe Faletau was deemed not ready for a return despite his seamless comeback at the weekend. Olly Cracknell also missed out, but the back-row is highly competitive, and Taine Basham's inclusion reflects form.
Notable Absences in the Back-Three
Macs Page, the Scarlets flyer in superb form this season after a setback following his maiden Test call-up in summer 2025, was a notable absentee. Mason Grady also missed out, with recalls for Rio Dyer and Gabriel Hamer-Webb, both of whom have performed strongly.
Seb Davies' recall was perhaps the most surprising. The Dragons lock, who has played well this season, last earned a cap on the blindside four-and-a-half years ago, starting in the home defeat to Italy under Wayne Pivac in 2022. His inclusion follows the Dragons' lineout success and the driving maul's prominence under recent law amendments.
New Faces, Similar Styles
Three uncapped players join the squad, each stylistically similar to previous selections. Loosehead Rhys Barratt, who impressed in a cameo against the Barbarians in London this summer, carries in space, much like Rhys Carre's reintegration. Scrum-half Che Hope earns a chance following Kieran Hardy's injury, with former Wales half-back Richie Rees comparing him to Tomos Williams. Dragons centre Aneurin Owen, an unused call-up in 2021, has earned his place through consistency, fitting the mould of a ball-playing centre like Ben Thomas or Joe Hawkins.
The squad's new faces reflect the existing style, while the omissions highlight the competition for places as Wales prepare for the autumn internationals.
