Steve Tandy’s debut as Wales head coach may not have ended with a victory, but there’s certainly a buzz about the team’s potential. Despite a 52-28 loss to a seasoned Argentina side in Cardiff, Tandy sees bright spots worth celebrating.
The team showed promising glimpses, managing to score four tries—a positive start considering they’ve had only two weeks under the new coaching regime. Though Tandy acknowledges the disappointment of conceding 50 points, he emphasised that some errors were down to concentration lapses, which are fixable.
A key moment came when Wales clawed back to a 14-14 scoreline, only to face a setback with a yellow card. Tandy praised the team’s resilience against an Argentina side fresh from top-tier challenges. The game showcased the team’s offensive intent with some fantastic tries, notably from a tap penalty—a testament to the players’ buy-in and teamwork.
Losing Jac Morgan to a shoulder injury was a significant blow. His impact was felt on the pitch, especially with an extraordinary try. Yet, as Tandy notes, it’s a chance for others to step up. With a roster light on experience—Wales currently sits 12th in the world—there’s a clear path and room to grow.
On the defensive side, 30 missed tackles are a concern, but Tandy believes these issues are addressable. Better discipline, especially with fewer offside penalties, can transform future performances.
Looking ahead, Tandy remains energised. His vision is a team capable of enthralling fans—building on the good and mitigating the bad. The road won’t be easy, but the excitement is tangible. Especially with the return of players like Louis Rees-Zammit, whose speed and flair add a thrilling dimension.
Stay tuned as the team assesses options for Jac’s replacement and gears up for the next challenge. For now, this match serves as a wake-up call and a blueprint for the thrilling possibilities that lie ahead. 🏉