Wales set to reduce squad for Nations ChampionshipImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Wales led 14-5 against Barbarians at half-time before sealing a two-point winByGareth GriffithsBBC Sport WalesPublished14 minutes agoWales head coach Steve Tandy says he will reduce his squad for the Nations Championship early next week.Tandy watched his side beat the Barbarians 33-31 at the Allianz Stadium in an uncapped warm-up game before three matches against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.
Wales face Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium next Saturday before travelling to play the Pumas and the Springboks.
Tandy had initially named a 48-man squad before injuries to Louie Hennessey, Keiron Assiratti and Liam Belcher and will now cut at least 11 more players with the new squad size between 32 and 34.
“It’ll be done over the next few days,” stated Tandy.
“We’ll make sure we get everything through the physios now, see how the boys are and make sure everyone pulls up after the game.”
Tandy will have an influx of 12 players from English and French clubs who were unavailable for the Barbarians match because it fell outside World Rugby’s international window.
It will include Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins, Saracens-bound scrum-half Tomos Williams, props Nicky Smith and Rhys Carre and Bristol back Louis Rees-Zammit.
“We will see how they are and look back at the game as well, because there will be some tight calls to go on tour,” added Tandy.
“The competition gets a little bit higher and we’ve got to continue to do that.”
