Ever since Dan Biggar retired from the international stage after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Wales have struggled to replace him at 10. A position, almost like an orchestra conductor, strategically controlling an attack which gets through the opponent's defence. When done correctly, there’s simply nothing better. This is something that Biggar did so well, which earned him the respect of being one of the best outside halves in his era. However, for Wales’ new head coach Steve Tandy, the conductor in this case is 22-year-old Dan Edwards.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. If you look at the outside halves in Tandy’s squad, perhaps Cardiff Rugby’s Callum Sheedy was the man in form, after a confident start to his United Rugby Championship campaign.
His biggest letdown has been his goal-kicking, which has led to him not being involved in the match-day 23 that will take on Argentina at the Principality Stadium on Sunday. Jarrod Evans is another extremely talented 10, and is excellent value in attack. He is covering for Edwards against Los Pumas.
But perhaps Tandy is sitting in a Grand Casino in Monte Carlo and has seen something in Edwards that warrants pushing his chips to the centre of the table.
The Ospreys player made his debut for Wales in Paris back in January, and despite still being a work in progress, his potential is exceptionally high.
“It’s a pretty big shirt to fill,” began Tandy on Edwards’ stake to claim the 10 jersey for the foreseeable future.
“The three tens that have come in have been brilliant. It's great to have competition, and selection was great for us as coaches. Callum has been playing really well, and Jarrod offers something different.
“With Dan, for a young man, that pressure in that second Test in Japan and the way he’s kicking on for Ospreys has been excellent.
“He’s got the first opportunity, but the other guys have been outstanding as well.”
Edwards played in both of Wales’ most recent outings in Japan, where he played his part in guiding his national side back to winning ways after 18 straight Test defeats.
A win that was very much needed. Imagine Wales entering the Autumn after all the announcements made by the WRU, without a win. To put it simply, it would’ve been disastrous.
"It’s an important quality for all our boys,” added Tandy on the confidence of his side and Edwards.
The game is full of imperfections. The best players brush it off very quickly. Argentina will have moments, and we’ll make mistakes, but we’ll go to our style of play.
“Dan plays his part in that."
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