Wales: New Steve Tandy era aims to lift Wales from doldrums

Wales are hoping to turn the Principality Stadium into their home goal again after not winning an international match in Cardiff for 27 months.

Wales have suffered nine consecutive Test defeats at home since defeating England in a World Cup friendly in August 2023; this was a losing record dating back 827 days.

The last Wales game in Cardiff was eight months ago; It was England’s disastrous 68-14 defeat at home in the Six Nations.

This was a record defeat for the home team in the Welsh capital; It was their most points ever at the Principality Stadium, their heaviest defeat in the Six Nations, a record defeat in the tournament and their most points ever against England.

So Wales need to make changes in an area that is no longer a goal. Tandy’s side were due to face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa in November, ahead of the 2026 Six Nations clash at home against France, Scotland and Italy in a tournament Wales last won on home soil in February 2022.

It remains to be seen how many fans will turn up to watch Tandy’s side this month given the current discontent with the Wales game.

The Principality Stadium’s capacity is 74,500, meaning four matches in November could attract a maximum of 298,000 fans.

Wales’ match against the All Blacks is currently the only match close to a sell-out.

Anecdotal stories abound that some tickets are now available at a discounted price or even given away for free.

It is the WRU’s responsibility to try to bring back fans who are disappointed with what they see and read on the pitch.