Wales v South Africa: Far-from-perfect Springboks Test can boost hosts – Tandy

The Wales boss, who was in charge of Ospreys between 2012 and 2018, is sympathetic to their plight.

“It’s hard and I’ve been in those situations, but I think on the flipside it is surprising what you can find,” said Tandy.

“It’s far from perfect, and I know how tough it is and I am empathetic, but sometimes you can find a diamond.

“It is tough, but I know they are all supportive coaches of what we are trying to do, and we are trying to be really supportive of them.

“It isn’t perfect, but we can’t change it. We have to make the best of the situation.”

The regions bear the brunt of Wales losing 10 members of the matchday 23 that lost 52-26 to New Zealand last weekend.

Lock Adam Beard has gone back to Montpellier while nine players have returned to English clubs.

Tandy, who was appointed in the summer, remains positive and insists it presents the new-look management team with a chance to look at more players at the end of their first campaign.

“The more games we get the better,” said the former Scotland defence coach. “We’ve got 14 or 15 before the World Cup.

“If you ask any player to represent their country at any given time, no matter where it is, they are going to want to play.

“For us it’s an opportunity. There’s loads of ways you can look at this game but for me it’s exciting.”