Wales Six Nations squad: Winners and losers, aspiring journalists claim

Having been a Test regular since making his debut in 2022, Rio Dier was overlooked by Warren Gatland in last year’s Six Nations.

The Dragons winger was called up by Tandy for the autumn series, which featured against South Africa, and has been in fine form ever since.

His brace against Newcastle Red Bulls took his record to four tries in five matches in addition to providing two assists.

The 26-year-old has regained his confidence and is finishing admirably, beating defenders, running strong lines and making catches.

If Tandy follows Bristol’s lead by moving Louis Rees-Zammit to full-back, it could open up space for the 24-cap winger.

“Rio has that X factor and when he’s confident, he means business,” Dragons captain Angus O’Brien said.

“This is what we need – to hit people with one fell swoop and light things up.”

Full-back O’Brien is in similarly good form, but may have missed the international boat at 31 years old.

However, the Dragons also have a pair of promising prospects in release Ryan Woodman and scrum-half Che Hope.

Hooker Brodie Coughlan became an international in the autumn and, after returning from a hand injury, is fighting to be a reserve for Dewey Lake alongside Liam Belcher, Ryan Elias and Evan Lloyd.