Steve Tandy: New coach faces early tests after naming first Wales squad

Another early headache comes in the shape of player availability.

Several of Wales’ key men will not train with the national squad until the week of the opening Test against Argentina on 9 November, and they will be unavailable for the final match of the series against world champions South Africa.

That game at the Principality Stadium falls outside World Rugby’s official international window, meaning players plying their trade outside of Wales will be unavailable. Twelve of Tandy’s 39-man squad are affected.

It could, however, open the door for a number of uncapped players – Brodie Coghlan (Dragons), Danny Southworth (Cardiff), James Fender (Ospreys) and Morgan Morse (Ospreys) – to stake their claim.

Whether their chance comes earlier against Argentina, Japan or New Zealand, or later against the Springboks, remains to be seen.

“Absolutely,” said Tandy when asked if the South Africa game could offer opportunities.

“It’s a blank canvas. It doesn’t matter what age you are, it’s a blank canvas on selection.

“There are senior players who you think might play, but ultimately there is a chance for everyone to put a mark down on how they train and how they operate off the field in the group.

“There’s an opportunity for a cap. Some might not get capped, but there’s still a real opportunity to show how good they are. It’s such a big opportunity for these individuals. For them to represent their country at Principality Stadium, ultimately there would be no greater honour.”

For a new head coach, balancing immediate results with long-term squad development is always a tricky equation. This autumn, circumstances may accelerate that process.