Wales head coach Steve Tandy has acknowledged the heavy workload placed on scrum-half Tomos Williams as the team prepares to face New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday. The British and Irish Lions number nine played the full 80 minutes in the recent 28-21 victory over Japan, while replacement Rebuen Morgan-Williams remained unused on the bench.
Heavy Workload in the Tandy Era
Williams has started 12 out of 13 Test matches during the Tandy era and has completed the full 80 minutes in five of those fixtures. According to reporting by BBC Sport, the only match Williams did not start was a 73-0 defeat against South Africa in November 2025, a game held outside the official World Rugby international window when England-based players were unavailable.
Across the 12 internationals that Williams has started, Tandy has utilized replacement scrum-halves for a total of just 48 minutes, averaging only four minutes per game. Williams’ average playing time per Test stands at 74.3 minutes, a figure that accounts for two yellow cards he received. Furthermore, bench cover players have logged a combined total of only 30 minutes across the previous nine Tests in 2026, during which Williams started every match and finished four.
Tandy admitted that the team depends heavily on the player, noting that Williams enjoys being on the field and maintaining a match rhythm. The head coach added that while rotation policies exist at clubs like Saracens, Williams is currently performing well and thriving in his role.
Developing Squad Depth
Kieran Hardy previously served as the primary backup to Williams before sustaining a serious knee injury in October that may sideline him for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The current autumn squad features Morgan-Williams and uncapped Dragons scrum-half Che Hope as the remaining options in the position.
Tandy emphasized the challenge of balancing player management and Test match readiness, particularly when considering whether to start young talents like Hope against formidable opponents such as New Zealand. He stated that the coaching staff constantly evaluates how to properly develop depth in the scrum-half position while ensuring the well-being of both the replacements and Williams himself.
Wales is scheduled to play New Zealand in the Nations Championship at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, 14 November.
