Wales Centers Back to Thomas‑Llewellyn for South Africa Clash

After 12 matches in charge, Wales head coach Steve Tandy has reverted to his opening centre pairing for the Nations Championship showdown with the strong‑running Springboks at Kings Park in Durban. The decision brings Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn back together, echoing the duo’s start in Tandy’s first two fixtures. The move also removes the cover provided by centre Joe Hawkins, who will now sit on the bench. It marks another tactical tweak ahead of a game that could decide Wales’ season trajectory.

Centre Rotation Since Tandy Took Over

• Joe Hawkins & Eddie James – 7 caps (France, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina)
• Ben Thomas & Max Llewellyn – 2 caps (Argentina, Japan)
• Joe Hawkins & Max Llewellyn – 1 cap (New Zealand)
• Joe Hawkins & Joe Roberts – 1 cap (South Africa)
• Ben Thomas & Eddie James – 1 cap (England)

The head coach experimented with five different centre combinations after his summer appointment, briefly settling on the Scarlets pair of Hawkins and James after a seven‑game run. That pairing delivered mixed results, and Wales have struggled defensively, conceding 38 clean breaks in the first two Nations Championship rounds. Former Wales centre Jonathan Davies noted the combination “probably hasn’t fired as we hoped” and highlighted missed tackles that left gaps for opponents.

Why Return to Thomas and Llewellyn?

Davies argued that Eddie James belongs at 12, where his ball‑playing ability could be better utilised, while Max Llewellyn offers a physical presence at 13. He suggested the current choice may be a missed opportunity to add bulk to the back‑line. Tandy’s selection reflects a desire for a more straightforward, contact‑focused centre axis ahead of a tight encounter with South Africa. The coach still holds the final say, but the attack is shaped by Matt Sherratt, who favours a second‑ball runner at 12. Wales’ attack has been criticised for zig‑zagging between the 15‑metre lines and failing to win the middle. If the line‑out drive does not generate territory, the flanks are unlikely to open up.

Other Back‑Line Adjustments

Tandy also cycles his fly‑half, bringing Dan Edwards back after Sam Costelow’s injury against the Pumas. Edwards has started 10 of Wales’ 12 internationals this season, while Costelow impressed before a knock ended his run. The final game of the campaign will see Edwards, Thomas and Llewellyn lock in at 10‑12‑13. Former fly‑half Gareth Anscombe warned against frequent changes at 10, stressing that decision‑making thrives on consistency. He also floated the idea of using full‑back Blair Murray as a second‑ball player, citing the All Blacks’ model with Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie.

Wales close out the season with a compact back‑three that includes a familiar face at 10. The selection puzzles will not be resolved until the November internationals, but the current mix reflects Tandy’s willingness to revisit formats that have shown promise in the early part of his tenure. Fans can expect a battle of tactics as the Welsh side eyes an upset against a South African side riding high on recent form.