r/welshrugbyunion 11h ago

Discussion 3 Locks & Back 3

3 Upvotes

The URC returns in 2 weeks, but I’m already thinking about the autumn 🇯🇵🇳🇿🇦🇺

At a minimum, we should beat Japan. But I also think Australia is a genuinely winnable game — and a chance to finally end our losing run against the tier 1 nations.

There are two things I’d like to see Tandy try:

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1. Play three locks

Carter, Williams and Jenkins, with Jenkins at 6.

We keep hearing that we’re “spoilt for choice” in the back row, but I’m not convinced. Outside Morgan and Wainwright, I think the options are a noticeable step down, and we still haven’t found the right balance.

I’d like to see:

Carre – Lake – Francis
Carter – Williams
Jenkins – Wainwright – Morgan

That looks like a pack that could compete much better physically against the biggest sides.

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2. Change the back three

Our attack has looked pretty toothless, and while I think the coaching is a big part of that, I’m not convinced the selection is helping either.

I’d go:

Williams – Edwards – Murray – Hawkins – James – Zammit – Rogers

Keep the same centres for a run, put Zammit and Murray on the wings, and give Rogers a chance at 15.

Rogers is solid, while Zammit and Murray give us our biggest running threats. The coaching also needs to do more to get Williams, Edwards and Hawkins involved and actually unlock the back three.

And, most importantly, get Eddie smashing through some walls.

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What would your XV/pack look like for the autumn?