Tandy keen to develop Welsh playing identity

STEVE TANDY has not overreacted to Sunday's heavy 52-28 defeat to Argentina in Cardiff.

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

STEVE TANDY has not overreacted to Sunday's heavy 52-28 defeat to Argentina in Cardiff.

It would have been easy for the new Wales head coach to make wholesale changes but he has opted to tinker with the side rather than wield the axe.

There are four personnel changes in the starting XV with one enforced due to the campaign-ending injury suffered by captain Jac Morgan.

But what does this latest selection tell us about Tandy’s Wales, who simply must beat Japan to ensure a more favourable World Cup draw?

TANDY HAS FAITH IN THE GAME-PLAN

If Tandy had made significant changes it would have been a case of starting all over again so it would be sensible to stick rather than twist.

There was a clear identity to this Wales side who wanted to play with pace and put width on the ball

Inside centre Ben Thomas did not have his best game against Argentina but the Cardiff playmaker is integral to the way Wales want to attack under Tandy.

There were errors in his game last weekend but ultimately Thomas did what he was supposed to do: get the ball away quickly to put players into space.

Wales played off 12 last weekend and while Thomas does need to improve his performance he will bea key player in Tandy's squad.

There were good moments in Wales’ game last weekend and while the scoreboard never lies the negatives are fixable.