There is likely to be the odd bolter in Steve Tandy’s first Wales squad
Wales head coach Steve Tandy (right) and forwards coach Danny Wilson (left)(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
Steve Tandy will name his first Wales squad in a few weeks’ time and it will be intriguing to see if there are any new faces included who perhaps were either too young or not flavour of the month under Warren Gatland.
The new Wales boss faces a daunting challenge in November with Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and world champions South Africa rocking up at the Principality Stadium. Tandy attended three games this weekend, present at the Scarlets‘ defeat to the Stormers on Friday night along with the Ospreys‘ victory over Zebre in Bridgend on Saturday and Cardiff’s win against Connacht at the Arms Park.
The former Scotland coach only has a small pool of players to choose from, so the majority of the squad which figured last season is almost certainly going to remain in place.
But there is still room for some fresh faces to force themselves into the equation this autumn. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Here are a handful of players who could upset the status quo and make the final cut.
Tom Bowen
The 20-year-old has been outstanding for Cardiff so far this season building on his breakthrough campaign.
Bowen became the youngest Cardiff player to score a hat-trick in the narrow defeat to Munster at Thomond Park last weekend, while he also crossed for a brace of tries in the victory over Connacht last night.
The Wales U20s speedster is currently the joint top try-scorer in the United Rugby Championship after two rounds.
Bowen’s point of difference is undoubtedly his electric pace, while he undoubtedly knows his way to the try line.
If there is one potential area of strength for Welsh rugby in these dark times it is the back-three, which has been boosted by the return of Louis Rees-Zammit.
Scarlets pair Blair Murray and Tom Rogers were two of Wales’ better players last season, while the likes of Cam Winnett, Keelan Giles, Ellis Mee, Rio Dyer and Josh Hathaway are all vying for places.
There is no need for Tandy to rush Bowen but there is no doubting his potential and he has to at the very least be in serious consideration for the autumn squad.
But if he misses out in November his time will come shortly thereafter.
Jacob Beetham
The 24-year-old’s progress has been stalled by a series of frustrating injuries.
Beetham won his first and only Wales cap to date against South Africa at Twickenham last summer, while he also toured Australia that same year.
Prior to his first senior cap his Scottish qualifications made him a target of Scotland, with Gregor Townsend reportedly offering Beetham a place in his Six Nations squad. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
Luckily he is now tied to Wales and after an injury-free start to the season he has put himself back into the Wales reckoning.
At 6ft 1in Beetham clearly has the size and the physicality for international rugby.
The Cardiff man was seen primarily as a full-back by new Wales attack coach Matt Sherratt but he can cover centre, wing and was even touted as a potential outside-half by Gatland.
Beetham is a physical player who is strong in the air and has a good kicking game.
He is also a very good distributor who makes good options and his versatility makes him a genuine option for Wales this November.
Ross Moriarty
The 31-year-old is no rookie, having won 54 caps for Wales, but he has not represented his country since the home defeat to Italy under Wayne Pivac in 2022.
He was not selected at all by Gatland after he left the Dragons to join French club Brive in the PRO D2.
But he is now back in Wales with the Ospreys and has made a big impression during the opening weeks of the season.
What the Wales pack lacks is size and power, which is something Moriarty can offer.
The big backrower is an enforcer who hits really hard and can carry the ball.
He is also an experienced campaigner who knows what it takes to excel in the international career and could complement the likes of Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright well in the backrow.
Do not be surprised if Tandy names Moriarty in his first squad.
Morgan Morse
There has been a big clamour from large sections of the public for Morse to win his first Wales cap.
The 20-year-old is a serious prospect and looks destined for a long international career but is this November too soon?
Definitely not.
Morse has started the season very well impressing for the Ospreys out in South Africa and making an impact in the victory over Zebre Parma at the Brewery Field yesterday. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
The Ospreys backrower is an explosive and dynamic carrier who is as effective in the tight as he is in the wide channels.
Taulupe Faletau is still around, while Wainwright has been one of Wales’ better players in recent times.
But Morse is a very special talent and should be included this November.
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