Wales' new era under Tandy begins... and the fight for respectability starts here

THERE is a sense of hope and optimism surrounding the Welsh setup leading into this Quilter Autumn Series.

- GWYN JONES

Jac Morgan's skills at the breakdown will be key for Wales tomorrow

The players look motivated and the coaches look eager. I have even spotted people smiling in camp which is an achievement in itself when you consider the current state of the game in Wales.

So, before a ball is kicked, full marks to Steve Tandy.

There needed to be a break from the recent past and he has had to drive home that this is a new era.

Changing the dressing rooms around and altering the structure of the week may appear small things but they make a difference.

The life of a professional rugby player is incredibly dull for the most part.

Wake, eat, train, team meeting, eat and bed. The only thing that changes from week to week is the colour of the tracksuit. They are on autopilot.

Breaking the monotony signals not only a departure from the past but also that being in the Welsh squad is different, special, exciting even.

The change in mood is palpable, they are in a bubble.

However, reality will soon hit tomorrow afternoon.

Argentina may be missing some players but they are still formidable opponents.

Ranked 6th in the world, they are battle-hardened from the Rugby Championship and start as firm favourites against Wales.

They have an 'all-court' game and frequently have the edge in possession and metres gained against the Southern hemisphere giants.

They are particularly effective when they get into goal-line situations, using their forward power to turn pressure into points.

The task is vast for Wales. A glance at the URC table shows three regions at the very bottom.