Who were Wales' leading lights in rollercoaster Six Nations?
Taulupe Faletau is arguably Wales' greatest ever number eight and remains a quality performer but has not played since the first Test in Japan last summer because of injury. Aaron Wainwright's displays led to Tandy being asked ahead of the Italy game whether Wales would keep the Lions legend in mind on his return from a calf issue. "I don't think you can ever write anyone off, especially with someone of his quality," said the head coach.
"But ultimately we've got a lot of young men that are starting to perform, starting to get consistency, so for me it'll always be based on performance. " Wainwright was man of the match for his two-try performance against the Azzurri, when he also showed his work rate in defence to go along with his physicality with ball in hand. The Leicester-bound Dragons talisman finished the official Six Nations charts fourth for carries (67), ninth for defenders beaten (17), fourth for dominant contacts (13) and fifth for post-contact metres (80).
"I still think that I could do more," said Wainwright. "There is always room to deliver more. " Wales are also blessed for flankers after strong campaigns by Alex Mann - the tournament's top tackler - and James Botham, while British and Irish Lion Jac Morgan is nearing return from injury.
Dan Edwards' try against Italy was the moment that put Wales within touching distance of a long-awaited win yet it is an unexpected score in a defeat that will be replayed in years to come. Loose-head prop Rhys Carre's fend and turn of pace to run over from 25 metres in Dublin was a champagne moment for the entire 2026 Six Nations, let alone Wales' campaign. It led to plenty of social media clips, questions in press conferences and the front-rower's name getting a cheer as loud as Louis Rees-Zammit's when the teams were read out before the finale against Italy.
The Saracens prop has been rejuvenated under Tandy and his Dublin effort was not just a terrific individual score, it was a key moment in the Wales revival. They went into half-time just 12-10 down at Aviva Stadium and stayed in the fight to lay the foundations for the success against Italy. Wales end losing streak with comfortable win over Italy Eddie James missed out on the autumn series through injury but the Scarlets centre, with Max Llewellyn sidelined, started all five games on his return.