Evidence mounts to show Wales and Steve Tandy have got selection strategy wrong

Steffan Thomas argues that Wales and head coach Steve Tandy need to rethink their midfield selection strategy ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The piece contends that attack coach Matt Sherratt's preference for deploying a second playmaker such as Joe Hawkins or Ben Thomas at inside centre has left Wales lacking physicality and the necessary power to break the gain line.

Thomas and former players, including Jonathan Davies and Gareth Anscombe, suggest that Scarlets centre Eddie James should be moved to No 12 to provide direct carrying power. The analysis notes that leading rugby nations prioritize gain-line-winning inside centres to create space for outside backs, urging Wales to adopt this approach starting in the autumn.