Wales head coach Steve Tandy will be considering changes ahead of Scotland clash
Wales head coach Steve Tandy needs to try something different(Image: PA Wire)
There has been very little to be positive about for Wales over the past fortnight following two heavy defeats in the opening two rounds of the Six Nations.
Things don’t get much easier for Wales who welcome a Scotland side that put in a sensational performance to down England at Murrayfield last weekend. It remains to be seen whether Steve Tandy deems it necessary to make wholesale changes or just tinker with the side.
Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas thinks there are improvements that can be made as he selects the side he’d like to see take the field this Saturday. There are six new starters and one positional switch
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15. Louis Rees-Zammit
One of the first names on the team sheet. Rees-Zammit has looked threatening in a team operating on the back foot.
The more touches of the ball he gets the better.
14. Ellis Mee
One of Wales’ better players in the heavy defeat to France.
Mee competed well in the air and did as well as could be expected against the phenomenal Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
His break in the first-half led to Wales’ only try but he will have his hands full again against the likes of Kyle Steyn and a Scotland backline that ripped England to shreds.
13. Owen Watkin
Wales’ defence has been appalling over the past few months, with 42 tries and 302 points conceded over the last six games.
It would make sense to bring Ospreys man Watkin into the side because he is the best defensive centre in Wales.
Wales have to find a way of solidifying the defence or they’ll be on the end of another heavy defeat. It’s as simple as that.
Owen Watkin during Wales training(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
12. Eddie James
The powerful Scarlets centre’s performance against France was a step in the right direction. James carried strongly in the second-half and did well in defence.
There’s an argument Wales can’t afford the luxury of a ball-playing 12 and should revert to someone whose primary strength is getting over the gainline.
James would be the right man for this task.
11. Mason Grady
Wales could do with making a change out wide.
Josh Adams has been a terrific servant and was one of the best finishers in the Northern Hemisphere for many years, but it feels like time to try something fresh.
The jury is out on Grady as a Test player but what he does have is size, explosive power and top end speed.
If used correctly the 23-year-old could be a destructive weapon for Wales.
10. Sam Costelow
It has been tough going for Dan Edwards over the past couple of weeks. Wales have lost the kicking game and he has been exposed in defence.
Edwards will bounce back but I’d consider starting Costelow, as much as his detractors will dismiss the suggestion.
The 25-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Scarlets in recent times and deserves another chance.
Scarlets outside-half Sam Costelow(Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)
9. Tomos Williams
He was way off it against France but he remains Wales’ best scrum-half.
Wales needs Williams to be at his very best against Scotland if they are to stand any chance of being competitive.
But Williams’ kicking game needs to be more accurate.
8. Olly Cracknell
It was a tough day at the office for Wales’ pack but Cracknell was one player who got a pass mark.
The Leicester Tigers backrow worked hard to get over the gainline, making 13 carries and eight tackles. Crucially, there were a couple of really dominant hits in there too.
He doesn’t make as many post-contact metres as he does when playing in the Gallagher Prem but he remains Wales’ best option at No 8.
7. Tommy Reffell
Alex Mann was as industrious as ever against France, finishing as Wales’ top tackler with 17. But Wales failed to slow down the speed of France’s ruck ball and got crucified by the speed of the game.
Wales need an out and out seven desperately and Tandy could do a lot worse than recognise the original selection mistake and call Tommy Reffell into the squad.
Reffell’s omission is a head scratcher given the Leicester Tigers man is one of the best exponents of the breakdown in the Gallagher Prem.
The backrow balance is crying out for the Leicester Tigers openside.
Reffell was one notable omission from the Wales squad(Image: GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
6. Aaron Wainwright
Wales’ best player over the past two Test matches. Wainwright has consistently got over the gainline with his strength and footwork.
The 28-year-old is a high-quality player but his hamstrung by playing in an underpowered team.
If Wales are spring an upset against Scotland Wainwright will be crucial.
5. Freddie Thomas
Adam Beard is another player who has been a tremendous servant for Wales but he did not have his best game in the defeat to France. Indeed, it was probably his worst.
Wales need to try something different against Scotland. Ben Carter appears to be the next cab off the rank, while there is also Rhys Davies.
But I’d like to see Freddie Thomas have a shot.
He has been playing well for Gloucester, is a good lineout forward and would suit Wales’ expansive style.
4. Dafydd Jenkins
One of Wales’ better players on Sunday.
The Exeter Chiefs lock made 14 tackles and carries while he also got a turnover. Jenkins is someone who leads from the front.
3. Tomas Francis
The one area where Scotland have been exposed over the past fortnight has been the scrum. They were annihilated by Italy in Rome, while England held the ascendancy too.
Francis doesn’t contribute much around the park but is the best scrummaging tighthead in the squad.
2. Dewi Lake (captain)
Lake was much better against France. The lineout was significantly improved at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, while Lake carried well.
He’s having to carry a huge burden as Wales captain in this tournament but can be proud of how he is handling himself.
1. Nicky Smith
Scotland have struggled at scrum time so this might be an area where Wales can attack them.
Smith isn’t as explosive a ball carrier as Rhys Carré but is a better scrummager.
The Leicester Tigers man is one of the most destructive scrummagers in the Gallagher Prem and will fancy his chances against Zander Fagerson.
Replacements16. Ryan Elias
The Scarlets hooker is a powerful carrier who more often than not crosses the gainline.
17. Rhys Carré
The Saracens prop would be unlucky not to start but could make a big impact off the bench.
18. Archie Griffin
Arguably better suited as an impact player off the bench.
19. Adam Beard
The Montpellier lock will want a chance to bounce back quickly following a disappointing performance.
20. James Botham
The 27-year-old can cover the entire backrow and is a very physical player who ahs crucially performed well at Test level before.
21. Kieran Hardy
The Ospreys number nine has played well at club level but that form needs to translate to the international arena.
22. Dan Edwards
Edwards hasn’t been at his best of late but remains a quality player and could make an impact from the bench.
23. Tom Rogers
The Scarlets man has been out of favour so far despite a strong autumn but could be a decent option from the bench.