Wales finish Tandy era with 12th world ranking after Durban drubbing
Former captains and pundits question midfield selection and team identity following 43-0 loss in South Africa
Wales have concluded Steve Tandy’s inaugural season as head coach with a 43-0 defeat to South Africa in Durban, a result that leaves the side 12th in the world rankings. The loss marks Tandy’s ninth defeat in 12 Tests, extending the aggregate scoreline against the Springboks to 116 points conceded and zero scored across two matches. The result caps a grueling campaign for the touring squad, which logged nearly 20,000 miles across six flights for the Nations Championship fixtures.
The match in Durban saw the number-one ranked Springboks field a weakened side, yet Wales failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin described feeling “flatter” after this defeat than the 73-0 loss in Cardiff in November 2025, noting that the South Africans were not at full strength. Despite the tourists showing spirit, the gulf in class was evident, with bookmakers having given Wales a 42-point handicap before kick-off.
Tandy, who has overseen three victories against Italy, Fiji, and Japan this season, defended the team’s progress despite the heavy losses. He pointed to “green shoots” and growth in player performance, arguing that beating sides ranked directly above Wales was a positive indicator. However, the Welsh Rugby Union director of rugby, Dave Reddin, who appointed Tandy, remains aware that the gap to the top eight teams persists.
Criticism has mounted regarding the team’s structural identity and selection. Pundits including Jonathan Davies and James Hook have called for Eddie James to move to inside centre, citing a lack of physical ball-carriers in the midfield. Former captains Dan Biggar and Sam Warburton have also expressed doubts about Tandy’s ability to identify his best starting side, with the coach admitting he is still balancing cohesion with opportunity for younger players.
Defensive frailties were also highlighted, with Wales missing 106 tackles across the three Nations Championship games, averaging 35 misses per match. New defence coach Peter Murchie has had limited time with the squad, and the physical dominance of opponents has been a recurring theme. Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who has masterminded wins against England, Scotland, and Wales, suggested that Wales need one significant victory to restore belief, drawing parallels to South Africa’s own struggles in 2017.
Wales will return to the Nations Championship in November, beginning with a must-win opener against Japan in Cardiff. The schedule is followed by fixtures against New Zealand and Australia, presenting immediate challenges for a team seeking to reverse its fortunes.
