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Tandy finds his strength, but how will key men fit into system?

Western Mail

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December 30, 2025

STRENGTH-IN-DEPTH is a commodity that has been in short supply as far as Wales go.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

Tandy finds his strength, but how will key men fit into system?

> Mason Grady

But if there is one area where Steve Tandy does have options, it is the back-three.

During the festive period a handful of players have hit form at the right time, but finding the right balance is key.

And there are two big questions in need of answering - where to play Mason Grady and whether Louis Rees-Zammit should be employed at fullback instead of on the wing.

In the lead-up to the 2024 Six Nations, Warren Gatland wanted to start Rees-Zammit at fullback for the opener against Scotland. But those plans were soon thrown in the bin after he opted to leave the sport to try his hand at American football.

But a couple of years later Rees-Zammit is tearing up the Gallagher Prem in the No. 15 shirt.

"Louis has the ability to be a world-class fullback," said Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam in the wake of his side’s 36-27 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls.

"I know a lot of people see him as a wing but it was always my intention to play him as a fullback."

Rees-Zammit has started the last two Bristol games - victories over Harlequins and Newcastle - at fullback.

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