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  • 3 months ago
Steve Tandy has officially taken charge as Wales head coach, stepping into one of the most daunting jobs in international rugby. His appointment marks the first time since 2007 that a Welshman has been given the role on a permanent basis, and he inherits a national side in deep trouble.
Transcript
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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