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Wales Bolsters Squad with Key Call-Ups Ahead of Italy Clash

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, January 20th 2026 at 20:01 GMT by tntsports.co.uk
      Locale: FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, IRELAND, ITALY

Rome, Italy - Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 - Wales faces a pivotal Six Nations encounter against Italy this weekend, and a recent influx of personnel aims to inject renewed strength and strategic focus into the squad. The call-ups of experienced hooker Dewi Lake and seasoned defence coach Steve Tandy represent a response to a difficult opening to the tournament for Warren Gatland's side and signal a desire to regain momentum.

The news comes after a challenging start to the Six Nations campaign, details of which remain confidential, but have clearly prompted changes within the Welsh setup. While Gatland's tenure has been marked by periods of success, the current situation necessitates adjustments, and the inclusion of Lake and Tandy are designed to address specific needs.

Dewi Lake: A Vital Front Row Reinforcement

The return of Dewi Lake is particularly welcome. His call-up comes as a direct replacement for injured hooker Ryan Elias, a setback that would have left Wales vulnerable in a critical area of the scrum and lineout. Lake's presence instantly strengthens Wales' front row options, adding crucial depth and experience. A dynamic player known for his work rate and powerful carrying, Lake offers a different dimension to the Welsh front row, something that has been notably lacking in recent matches.

Historically, Wales has built much of its success on a solid and dominant scrum. Lake's inclusion signifies a renewed emphasis on this crucial aspect of the game. His ability to contribute both in set-pieces and around the field is invaluable. The front row is often the unsung hero of a rugby team, and Lake's return promises a more robust platform for the Welsh backs to operate from.

Steve Tandy: Defensive Expertise to Shore Up Weaknesses

The appointment of Steve Tandy as a defensive coach is equally significant. Tandy, known for his pragmatic and effective defensive strategies, joins the coaching team to assist in analyzing and reinforcing Wales' defensive structures. Wales' defense has appeared shaky in the early stages of the tournament, conceding soft tries and struggling to contain opposition attacks. Tandy's expertise is anticipated to provide immediate improvements in this critical area.

His previous experience with other national teams, including a highly regarded stint with the British & Irish Lions, speaks to his ability to quickly assess and rectify defensive shortcomings. The defensive strategy in modern rugby is more than just tackling; it involves intricate structures, communication, and understanding of attacking patterns. Tandy's focus will undoubtedly be on tightening these areas, ensuring Wales is more resilient under pressure.

A Historic Rivalry, a Crucial Moment

The upcoming match against Italy carries immense importance for Wales. While the history books favour Wales significantly - the two nations have clashed a staggering 150 times, with Wales holding a commanding 99-51 winning record - dismissing Italy would be a grave error. Italian rugby has undergone considerable development in recent years, with a new generation of talented players emerging. They have grown in competitiveness and are no longer the easy victories of the past.

This match represents more than just securing a win; it's about regaining confidence and demonstrating a clear improvement in performance. Gatland and his coaching staff are under pressure to deliver results, and a victory against Italy would be a vital step towards achieving that. The pressure on the team is palpable, but the addition of Lake and Tandy provides a welcome boost and a renewed sense of purpose. The squad's response to this pressure, and their ability to translate the impact of these new additions into a convincing performance, will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Wales' Six Nations campaign.

Fans across Wales and beyond are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a tense and compelling encounter, one that could define Wales' fortunes in this year's tournament. All eyes will be on Rome this weekend as Wales seeks to rediscover its winning formula.