Cracknell carries key as Tandy forced to reshuffle

Taulupe injury could mean crucial role this autumn for call-up from Tigers

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

Olly Cracknell is all smiles after his call-up

(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 backrower 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 backrow," Cuthbert told Sportin 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.

"They are going to miss him massively. Hopefully it's not too serious.

"But Olly will bring some physicality. It's going to change the dynamics of how we are looking to play now.

"The likes of Alex Mann come into the picture at No.6, with (Aaron) Wainwright definitely moving to No 8 and then Jac Morgan (at No.7)."