Steve Tandy: The new coach faces early tests after naming Wales’ first team

Another early headache comes in the form of player availability.

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

That match at the Principality Stadium falls outside World Rugby’s official international window, meaning players who ply their trade outside Wales will not be available. Twelve of Tandy’s 39-player squad were affected.

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

It remains to be seen whether their chance will come early against Argentina, Japan or New Zealand, or later against the Springboks.

“Absolutely,” Tandy said when asked if the South Africa match could provide opportunities.

“It’s a blank canvas. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s a blank canvas when you make a choice.

“There are top players who you think might play, but in the end there is an opportunity for everyone to make a mark on how they train and how they work off the pitch in the group.

“There is an opportunity to set a cap. Some international matches may not be played, but there is still a real opportunity to show how good they are – it is a huge opportunity for these individuals. For them to represent their country at the Principality Stadium, in the end there can be no greater honour.”

For a new coach, balancing immediate results with long-term team development is always a difficult equation. This fall, circumstances may accelerate this process.