Distractions off to deal with on Six Nations!

THE last time Louis Rees-Zammit took to the field in the Six Nations, coincidentally wearing the 15 jersey on his back, it felt like a corner of sorts had been turned.

- BEN JAMES Rugby writer

Having beaten Italy the week before in Rome, a spirited outing in Paris ended a 2023 Six Nations largely defined by off-field politics and strike threats on a relatively positive note.

Ahead of the 2023 World Cup, it felt like there were some positives to build upon ahead of that tournament.

And there were, in fairness - but not for long.

Three years on, as Rees-Zammit prepares to experience the Six Nations once more, Welsh rugby is not only back to being defined by off-field politics but the spectre looms even larger over the game at the minute.

Once again, Welsh rugby has found the most inopportune time to self-immolate.

That game in Paris three years ago was just seven days removed from Wales' last victory in the Six Nations.

The wait now is over 1,000 days. Few, if any, expect that to end this weekend in Twickenham.

The naming of Steve Tandy's first Six Nations matchday 23 as Wales coach is unlikely to change many minds on that front. Why would it? We all knew the tools available heading into this tournament.

Wales are playing catch-up to the other nations. In that sense, England away is a cruel start to the tournament.

But, there are few surprises to this team that Tandy has picked.

After all, having played there for Bristol following the autumn, the prospect of Rees-Zammit at fullback always seemed likely.

Ellis Mee and Josh Adams on the wings makes sense from an aerial standpoint, as would have Tom Rogers or Gabriel Hamer-Webb.

Mason Grady might have crammed a little more physicality into the side, but, despite his size, he's not as much of an aerial presence going either way under the high ball.

And that is, in all honesty, the key to his Wales selection.

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