Nicky Smith on 'positive' signs for Wales ahead of Los Pumas Test

Adam Beard, Aaron Wainwright, Josh Adams, and Tomos Williams have played more Tests than the loosehead prop who was part of the Wales side that defeated Japan in July, ending the drought of losses.

During an 11-year international career, the 31-year-old is now part of a new-look Wales set-up with new head coach Tandy adopting a more relaxed approach to training and Test week.

Tandy has changed Wales’ training times, as well as when they assemble ahead of a Test, made alterations to the team room, and switched from the home changing rooms to the away changing rooms at Principality Stadium.

The same style of move which former Wales boss Warren Gatland made in 2008, as he felt he couldn’t address players all at once when prepping for matches.

It is believed that he hopes this will give his side the best opportunity to change their fortunes on the international stage. It’s the minute stuff that makes the biggest of differences.

“They have definitely been positive and the boys have taken to them well,” Smith said on Tandy’s changes.

Wales currently sit 12th in the World Rugby rankings, and on Sunday afternoon at Principality Stadium, they take on Argentina, who sit six places above them.

But for Tandy, one of the many questions about his selection has been whether Rhys Carre should start or be benched in a hotly contested one jersey.

“We have four quality loose-heads – Danny (Southworth) has been pulling up trees for Cardiff,” continued Smith.

“Gar (Gareth Thomas) has been consistently very good for Ospreys and Wales, what Carre has been doing for Saracens is brilliant.

Argentina come into the contest despite finishing at the bottom of the Rugby Championship and recorded a remarkable victory in Buenos Aires against New Zealand. They also had a narrow 28-26 away win against Australia in Sydney.

Felipe Contepomi’s side has been the more active in recent months, with Wales’ last match back in July. His side will also head to the Welsh capital, a place where the hosts for Sunday’s match have lost their past nine Test encounters.

“They (Argentina) have always had a big pack but now we have seen how expansive they can be,” continued Smith.

“They are chucking the ball around, and their back line is incredible. The forwards are big and physical, but can chuck the ball around as well.

"Argentina, through the years, have always had a big tight five. Their results in the Rugby Championship have been unbelievable.

“We are going up against one of the world’s best, and we have to be at our best to get a result. The boys are excited to get stuck in.”