Return of Wales' marshal Watkin key to Tandy reset

WITH the Six Nations rapidly approaching it is safe to say Wales head coach Steve Tandy has a plethora of areas in need of significant improvement after a difficult autumn which culminated in a 73-0 defeat to South Africa.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

Strengthening the pack along with tightening up the defence Wales conceded a combined total 200 points and 27 tries during the autumn has to be Tandy's priority. But finding the correct balance in midfield is also something which Wales have struggled with since the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Max Llewellyn has been a regular in the number 13 jersey since the midway point of last season’s Six Nations and started the first three games of the autumn.

But the Gloucester centre has been ruled out until the "latter part" of the season, with a knee injury, meaning Tandy has to find a replacement.

The return to fitness of experienced Ospreys centre Owen Watkin is very timely.

Watkin has not been available for selection under Matt Sherratt or Tandy to date after rupturing ligaments in his knee 11 months ago.

The 43-times-capped international was outstanding for the Ospreys in their 26-19 victory over the Scarlets on Boxing Day.

Wales' defence leaked like a sieve during the autumn and Watkin's point of difference is undoubtedly his ability to marshal the defence, while his reading of the game is very good.