British and Irish Lions: Lack of Welsh players must not be repeated – Tom Shanklin

Former Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy was appointed as the new permanent Wales head coach last week following the departure of Warren Gatland in February.

Matt Sherratt had taken over in a caretaker capacity with a record 18-match losing run finally ending with a victory against Japan in Kobe earlier this month.

“He’s going to bring that steeliness back,” said former Wales wing Alex Cuthbert.

“I just don’t know what Wales are, we used to be known as such a hard team to beat.

“Look at Wales now and we are easy to score against and we don’t score enough points.”

Tandy has not been a head coach at international level before with Cuthbert admitting the new Wales backroom staff will need to support the new man.

“Technically and tactically, Steve has been a defence coach,” said Cuthbert

“It’s very different being head coach so he will have to get his staff right.”

Shanklin says he is pleased with Tandy’s appointment.

“The Union is obviously struggling for money,” said Shanklin.

“There could have been the option to buy someone for £600,000 but that’s not going to change Welsh rugby.

“We progressed a little bit, maybe, with Matt Sherratt but I don’t think any coach would have an instant impact.

“We need a blueprint, that’s key, and a style of play that suits. That will have to change from what it has been to something new and it’s the team he gets around him.”

Shanklin warned expectations need to be measured.

“He’s not going to change the team into Six Nations winners,” said Shanklin.

“We will still go through quite a few losses, because we just don’t have the quality of player other teams have.”