00:00Steve Tandy has officially taken charge as Wales head coach,
00:05stepping into one of the most daunting jobs in international rugby.
00:09His appointment marks the first time since 2007
00:12that a Welshman has been given the role on a permanent basis
00:16as he inherits a national side deep in trouble.
00:20Wales recently snapped an 18-test losing streak with victory in Japan,
00:24but their struggles run deeper.
00:26Success at age-grade level has been scarce.
00:29The four professional regions, Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scartlets,
00:34have been co-signed to mediocrity.
00:37And the WIU is consulting on a radical plan to cut those clubs down to two.
00:41That is the backdrop for Tandy's future,
00:44one to find as much by rebuilding structure as winning matches.
00:48The 44-year-old brings broad experience.
00:52He guided the Ospreys to a Pro 12 title as a young coach
00:55before enhancing his reputation.
00:57Overseas with the War of Scotland and the British and Irish Lions.
01:02Highly regarded as a defensive strategist,
01:05he now faces his biggest test,
01:07reshaping a faltering Wales team with limited resources.
01:11Some assistants from the summer tour of Japan could be retained,
01:15but several names linked to key roles
01:18are tied to club contracts,
01:20raising the prospects of short-term secondments.
01:23Just as pressing is the question of identity.
01:26Under Warren Gatlin's first spell,
01:28Wales built their success on uncompromising defence,
01:31set-piece power and kicking accuracy.
01:34Attempts to recreate that style in recent years
01:36fell flat without the personnel to match.
01:40Tandy must now find a game plan suited to his players,
01:43likely more expansive and high-tempo,
01:46whilst shoring up problem positions such as tights-head prop.
01:51The scale of his task is highlighted by a brutal autumn schedule
01:54against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and world champions South Africa.
01:59But with patience, tactical clarity and a belief in young talent,
02:03Tandy has the chance to restore pride in Welsh rugby.
02:06His tenure begins with a crisis all around,
02:09yet also the faintest glimmer of renewal.
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