Top ten for Tandy to consider ahead of naming his Wales Six Nations squad

THE Six Nations is just weeks away and Wales head coach Steve Tandy will already be planning for a difficult opener against England at the Allianz Stadium.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent [e-mail]

Wales endured a difficult autumn campaign which finished with a horrific 73-0 home defeat to South Africa at the Principality Stadium.

Tandy is up against it whatever squad he can muster but there are a number of players who missed out on the autumn but are available for selection ahead of the Six Nations.

Here are 10 players Tandy should consider selecting ahead of a difficult few months.

FALETAU is still in Tandy's plans having been named in the autumn before he was forced to withdraw through injury.

The 35-year-old made his comeback off the bench in Cardiff's home defeat to the Scarlets on Friday night but the dynamic No 8 did make an impact with his explosive ball carrying.

Wales will have to manage Faletau carefully given his recent track record with injuries but if he can stay fit he remains a high-class international player.

WHAT Wales have lacked since the 2023 Rugby World Cup is significant size and physicality in the front five and that is something Ball could help improve.

Yes, at 34 Ball is approaching the end of his career but he has been playing well since returning to the Scarlets and Wales need to add some grunt to the front five.

Ball is in very good nick for his age and would bring a lot of experience into the squad, while also pushing the more experienced players.

This selection would only be for the short term but Wales need any help they can get ahead of a daunting Six Nations campaign which starts with a trip to the Allianz Stadium to face England.

IF there was one word to describe Moriarty it would be physical.

Wales need as many big men as possible in the pack and Moriarty's physicality would be a welcome addition against the likes of England and France.

Tandy's side will face arguably the second strongest pack in world rugby during their Six Nations opener at the Allianz Stadium.