Wales secured a dramatic comeback victory over Fiji in the inaugural Nations Championship, but former captain Gwyn Jones warns that the team's defensive frailties and lack of a clear identity could be exposed against Argentina this weekend.
Defensive lapses a major concern
Jones, now an S4C pundit, highlighted that Wales missed one in four tackles and allowed 25 offloads against Fiji. "The defence was poor. Wales slipped off one tackle in every four and allowed 25 offloads. Fiji are dangerous, but they are not that dangerous. Every coach watching that game will have made a note. Argentina certainly will have," he said.
He stressed the need for Wales to tackle the ball, not just the player, and suggested double hits to kill offloads. "You won't survive many afternoons at Test level defending like that."
Set-piece positives
Despite defensive issues, Jones praised the scrum and driving maul. Dillon Lewis and Rhys Carre answered critics with outstanding scrummaging, while Danny Wilson's work on the driving lineout was described as "first class." However, Jones noted that Argentina will have studied Wales' maul extensively. "Felipe Contepomi will have spent all week working out how to stop it. If Argentina shut down Wales' driving maul, then what?"
Unanswered identity question
Jones questioned Wales' game plan, saying the team still lacks a clear identity. "Great international teams know exactly who they are. They know what they turn to when the game gets messy. Wales aren't there yet." He observed that Wales retreat into conservative set-piece tactics under pressure, which won't be enough against top sides.
He also expressed doubts about Joe Hawkins at inside centre, describing him as caught between fly-half and No.12. "Sometimes he kicks when I'd like him to trust the attack."
Costelow deserves chance
Jones backed Sam Costelow to start at fly-half after Dan Edwards started against Fiji. "He was desperately unlucky to be injured against Scotland when he was producing the best rugby of his Wales career. He plays flatter than Dan Edwards, organises a game well and is probably the better defender."
Rees-Zammit benched
Jones expressed surprise at Louis Rees-Zammit being benched, calling him one of the players Wales should build around. "Genuine pace is a gift, and Wales don't have many players who possess it." He noted that Steve Tandy's man-management will be crucial to keep Rees-Zammit valued.
Bigger picture
Jones praised the new Nations Championship format, saying it makes summer tours feel connected and meaningful. "Every result has context. Every game means something. It already feels bigger than the old tour format, and I suspect it will only grow." He also credited Scotland's ambitious play against Argentina as a template for Wales to follow.
Wales face Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday, with coverage on S4C from 7.30pm.
