Cracknell carries key as Tandy forced to reshuffle

FALETAU NJURY COULD MEAN A CRUCIAL ROLE THIS AUTUMN FOR CALL-UP FROM TIGERS

- STEFFAN THOMAS

Left, head coach Steve Tandy issues instructions during a training session at the Principality Stadium and, above, Jac Morgan offloads during a forward charge

(BEN BIRCHALL/PA WIRE AND CHRIS FAIRWEATHER/HUW EVANS AGENCY)

WHEN Taulupe Faletau made his first appearance of the season in Cardiff's derby victory over the Dragons less than a fortnight ago it would undoubtedly have come as a big boost to new Wales head coach Steve Tandy.

Yes, at 34 Faletau is approaching the end of his career, but the experienced No 8 remains a high-class player who would have made a positive difference to Wales' performances this autumn.

It is highly likely Tandy would have selected a backrow consisting of Aaron Wainwright at blindside flanker, Jac Morgan at openside and Faletau at No.8 for the autumn opener against a gigantic Argentina pack in Cardiff.

That is the backrow which took Australia to the cleaners as Wales recorded a thumping 40-6 victory at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

To lose Faletau is a blow and Tandy will have to reshuffle his backrow to take on the Pumas.

According to former Wales wing Alex Cuthbert, who is now a respected pundit, the loss of Faletau could force a tactical change.

Inform Leicester Tigers back-rower Olly Cracknell is the man to replace Faletau.

"He's been going well at Leicester. Big, massive, physical bloke as well. He will bring that aggressiveness that I think we probably need in that back-row," Cuthbert told Sporting Wales.

"But to lose Toby is a big, big loss. His experience, his consistency and he is probably one of Wales' greatest-ever players, in my opinion.