Steve Tandy has some big calls to make ahead of Wales' Nations Championship opener against Japan

Steve Tandy named his 39-man squad for the second instalment of the Nations Championship yesterday, with attention now turning to Wales’ opening fixture against Japan at the Principality Stadium.

Victory over the Brave Blossoms should be a minimum requirement for Tandy, who will already have a clear idea of the side he wants to field for the contest.

With his squad picked, this is how Wales might line up next month.

Back-three

The back three presents some intriguing selection questions. Wales moved Louis Rees-Zammit back to the wing during the summer after deploying him at full-back throughout the Six Nations, a decision that reflected a desire to make better use of his searing pace and natural finishing ability. The Bristol flyer’s greatest threat remains his capacity to turn half-chances into tries from out wide.

Blair Murray has also made an encouraging start to the season with the Scarlets. Although his handling of the high ball has been a concern at Test level, his attacking instincts and ability to trouble defences is a big plus point for Wales.

On balance, the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to Murray.

The remaining wing berth, however, is less clear-cut. Ellis Mee offers a different proposition, with his reliability under the high ball a particular asset.

In a Test match where territorial pressure and the aerial contest could prove decisive, that solidity may give him the edge.

Centres

Many pundits have called for Eddie James to start at inside centre, but Steve Tandy offered a clear indication of his thinking yesterday, telling the Scrum V podcast that he views the Scarlets midfielder as a 13.

That points towards Wales persisting with a second playmaker at 12, with Joe Hawkins the strong favourite to start in the absence of the injured Ben Thomas.

There is a compelling case for deploying James at inside centre, where his power and ability to punch holes in defences could provide Wales with a more direct attacking threat.

Tandy, however, appears convinced that the 13 channel offers the best opportunity to maximise the centre’s considerable strengths.

Aneurin Owen provides another option at 12. Long regarded as a gifted distributor, the Dragons centre could offer a different dimension to Wales’ midfield.

Yet with the Rugby World Cup firmly on the horizon, Tandy may be reluctant to disrupt the developing Hawkins-James partnership, with continuity and cohesion likely to be central to his selection thinking.

Halfbacks

The battle for the number 10 jersey is less clear-cut, although Dan Edwards may have edged ahead of Sam Costelow after the latter was withdrawn around the half-hour mark of the Scarlets’ match against Newcastle Red Bulls on Saturday.

Tandy is likely to give both fly-halves an opportunity this autumn, with Costelow’s international involvement over the past year having been curtailed by injury.

His fitness, rather than any question over his ability, has too often dictated his availability, and a sustained run in the side would give him the chance to press his claims.

At scrum-half, the decision appears far more straightforward. Tomos Williams is the undisputed first choice and looks certain to be among the first names on Tandy’s teamsheet.

Reuben Morgan-Williams, meanwhile, is well placed to claim the scrum-half berth among the replacements, potentially edging out the uncapped Che Hope as Wales look to balance experience with the opportunity to blood new talent.

Front-row

With Rhys Carre yet to feature this season and Tandy having named four loosehead props in his squad, Nicky Smith looks well placed to start against Japan.

Smith offers a more destructive scrummaging presence and is a threat at the breakdown, although he does not carry the ball with the same prominence as Carre.

The choice will depend in part on Carre’s fitness, but the smart money is on Smith starting.

Should Carre remain unavailable, Cardiff prop Rhys Barratt will be handed his first cap against Japan off the bench offering Tandy another opportunity to build some depth in the front-row.

At hooker there is little room for debate. Captain Dewi Lake is certain to start with Ryan Elias expected to provide cover from the bench.

Wales will also welcome back the considerable scrummaging power of Tomas Francis at tighthead, while Bath’s Archie Griffin could be introduced early in the second half to inject fresh energy into the front row.

Second-row

Dafydd Jenkins is expected to return straight to the starting XV after missing the summer campaign through injury, with the Exeter Chiefs lock’s work rate and physicality likely to be welcomed by Tandy.

Dragons lock Ben Carter is the favourite to partner him in the second row, having demonstrated his credentials when selected to start against Scotland during the last Six Nations in Adam Beard’s absence.

The contest for the lock berth on the bench is less straightforward. Beard would bring valuable experience and power from the bench, qualities that could prove important in the closing stages of a Test match.

Yet Japan’s athleticism and ability to move the ball quickly may prompt Tandy to favour Teddy Williams instead. His mobility could offer Wales a different dimension, particularly if the game becomes increasingly open as the match wears on.

Back-row

Jac Morgan is a certainty to start at openside flanker, while Aaron Wainwright should also be among the first names on Tandy’s teamsheet.

There is, however, scope for a reshuffle in the back row. Tandy could deploy Wainwright at blindside flanker and hand Taine Basham the number eight jersey, with the 26-year-old having impressed for Cardiff over the past six months.

The principal selection dilemma is at six, where Wales must weigh Taine Plumtree’s athleticism against Alex Mann’s relentless work rate. Wainwright remains another option, giving Tandy plenty of flexibility in an area where the balance of the back row will be crucial.

Mann looks the likeliest candidate to complete the starting trio, with Basham or Kane James potentially held back to provide impact from the bench. That would allow Tandy to retain the physicality and energy required to make an impression in the latter stages.

Strongest Wales XV: Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Ellis Mee; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (captain), Tomas Francis, Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rhys Barratt, Archie Griffin, Teddy Williams, Kane James, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Sam Costelow, Max Llewellyn.