Key Highlights
- Steve Tandy names his first Six Nations team for the opener against England.
- Louis-Rees Zammit plays at full-back for his first Test appearance at Twickenham.
- Tandy opts for a 6-2 split on the bench, with six forwards and two backs.
- Josh Macleod makes his first Six Nations start in the back row.
The Lineup Decision Dilemmas
Steve Tandy has a tough task ahead. Wales face England at Twickenham, and the stakes are high for the new head coach. The selection of Louis-Rees Zammit as full-back is a bold move, given his recent shift from wing to 15 by Bristol.
The wing position sees Ellis Mee and Josh Adams getting the nod, while Eddie James is picked over Max Llewellyn at 13 due to injury. Tandy’s decision-making is crucial for his team’s performance in this early season test.
Back Row Decisions
Forwards dominate the bench with six on standby, but the back row selection remains tight. Alex Mann’s move from open-side to blind-side opens up a spot for Josh Macleod, who brings tenacity after missing last autumn’s campaign through injury.
Macleod’s return is a significant boost, making Alex Mann the likely choice at open-side. Olly Cracknell might add physicality against England but remains an option. Aaron Wainwright and versatile Alex Mann round out the back row selection.
Bench Strength
The bench is packed with talent, including Kieran Hardy and Mason Grady for their physical presence in the backs. Cardiff captain Liam Belcher and props Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis provide solid support up front. Ben Carter’s inclusion after a two-year absence signals his importance to Tandy’s plans.
Wales have matched England with six forwards on the bench, showing confidence in their pack strength. However, the depth at back three remains a concern as Joe Hawkins and Ben Thomas share the 12 jersey, with Owen Watkin and Eddie James also vying for starting spots.
The Challenge Ahead
Tandy’s first Six Nations campaign begins with a stern test against England. The selection reflects his belief in homegrown talent but leaves room for improvement. The writing is on the wall—success or failure will define Tandy’s early tenure as Wales’ head coach.
You might think this is new, but it feels like Tandy is trying to build something solid from scratch. Stay tuned as the countdown to Twickenham continues.
