Steve Tandy has named his 39-man squad for the second instalment of the Nations Championship, with attention now turning to Wales’ opening fixture against Japan at the Principality Stadium. Victory over the Brave Blossoms should be a minimum requirement for Tandy, who will already have a clear idea of the side he wants to field for the contest.
Back-Three and Centres
The back three presents some intriguing selection questions. Wales moved Louis Rees-Zammit back to the wing during the summer after deploying him at full-back throughout the Six Nations, a decision that reflected a desire to make better use of his searing pace and natural finishing ability. Blair Murray has also made an encouraging start to the season with the Scarlets, with his attacking instincts and ability to trouble defences a big plus point for Wales.
The remaining wing berth is less clear-cut. Ellis Mee offers a different proposition, with his reliability under the high ball a particular asset. In a Test match where territorial pressure and the aerial contest could prove decisive, that solidity may give him the edge.
Midfield and Halfback Calls
Many pundits have called for Eddie James to start at inside centre, but Tandy offered a clear indication of his thinking yesterday, telling the Scrum V podcast that he views the Scarlets midfielder as a 13. That points towards Wales persisting with a second playmaker at 12, with Joe Hawkins the strong favourite to start in the absence of the injured Ben Thomas.
At fly-half, Dan Edwards may have edged ahead of Sam Costelow after the latter was withdrawn around the half-hour mark of the Scarlets’ match against Newcastle Red Bulls on Saturday. Tandy is likely to give both fly-halves an opportunity this autumn. At scrum-half, Tomos Williams is the undisputed first choice, while Reuben Morgan-Williams is well placed to claim the scrum-half berth among the replacements.
Front-Row and Second-Row
With Rhys Carre yet to feature this season, Nicky Smith looks well placed to start against Japan, with Cardiff prop Rhys Barratt set for a first cap off the bench if Carre remains unavailable. Captain Dewi Lake is certain to start at hooker, while Tomas Francis returns at tighthead. Dafydd Jenkins is expected to return straight to the starting XV after missing the summer campaign through injury, with Ben Carter the favourite to partner him.
Back-Row Balance
Jac Morgan is a certainty to start at openside flanker, while Aaron Wainwright should also be among the first names on Tandy’s teamsheet. The principal selection dilemma is at six, where Wales must weigh Taine Plumtree’s athleticism against Alex Mann’s relentless work rate. Mann looks the likeliest candidate to complete the starting trio, with Basham or Kane James potentially held back to provide impact from the bench.
Strongest Wales XV: Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Ellis Mee; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (captain), Tomas Francis, Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rhys Barratt, Archie Griffin, Teddy Williams, Kane James, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Sam Costelow, Max Llewellyn.
