The COUNTDOWN is on for Wales’ squad announcement for the Autumn

His first job is naming his Autumn Nations Series squad, which will aim to build on ending their winless run in Japan this summer.

He’s been busy since he started his role back in September. He’s been seen at all four regional sides' home games so far in this season’s United Rugby Championship (URC), alongside Danny Wilson and Matt Sherratt.

However, he comes into the Welsh setup at a time when the number of professional sides may be downgraded. Will it be four? Will it be two? Who knows, but one thing is for certain: Tandy will need to bring together a united squad ahead of a tough Autumn.

They take on Argentina in their opening match at Principality Stadium on November 9, and the countdown is on until he announces the squad.

Will there be shock inclusions? Will there be welcome returns? Who will be in Tandy’s first squad as head coach?

Let’s start with the back three options. Liam Williams, who currently sits on 91 caps, is back playing with Newcastle Red Bulls and played his first game for the club against Exeter last weekend.

His experience will be needed for Tandy as a key figure in the squad. A player that young members of the squad can look up to and be inspired by.

The issue for the 34-year-old is whether he can roll back the years and be the Williams of old. For example, the 2019 Lions tour of New Zealand. Who knows.

Blair Murray is the other. He claimed Wales’ Young Player of the Year back in September at the Welsh Rugby Writers Association (WRWA) awards.

Despite the Six Nations campaign being one to forget, one of the main takeaways was Murray’s excellence. This almost earned him a spot on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

Josh Adams played remarkably in Japan, and with the bolster of Louis Rees-Zammit- remember him? Should add real strength to the wide channels for Tandy. However, Rees-Zammit was seen after Bristol Bears’ Gallagher Prem contest against Exeter with a boot on his foot.

Elsewhere, Tom Rogers was another positive from the Six Nations and don’t rule out the likes of Keelan Giles, Rio Dyer, Ellis Mee, and possibly 19-year-old Tom Bowen, who are all knocking on the door.

Joe Hawkins, who played in last Friday’s humbling 34-0 defeat against Stormers, can provide a hard-hitting line-breaker option with Eddie James sidelined due to injury. Although Keiran Williams, who looked mightily impressive for the Ospreys on Saturday, could also be an option, and could be a major asset for Wales’ attacking game in getting over the gain line as well.

The others are Gloucester Rugby’s Max Llewellyn with the summer tour tourists of Johnny Williams and Joe Roberts may also be included.

With Ben Thomas serving a ban, this may have hindered his chances, but if included, he will likely be cover for the 12 jersey. The jersey, which he’s made his own in recent times, having looked back to his best against Ireland in the Six Nations after wearing the 10 shirt against France and Italy. Looking at the outside half options, it’s hard not having Dan Edwards at the top of the list.

Despite making his debut on a day to forget for Welsh rugby in Paris in January, Dan Edwards looked like he had all the attributes in Japan to be the frontrunner. Callum Sheedy may also be included, after a positive start to his season with Cardiff.

Sherratt’s favourite Jarod Evans may also be included, who, in the Six Nations, thought he’d never play for Wales again after coming on as a replacement against Scotland. The other outsider is Sam Costelow who at Test level hasn’t really shone.

Tomos Williams will be a welcome return, after missing the two-Test matches in the summer due to being on Lions duty. He’ll likely be joined by Ospreys’ Kieran Hardy, who played in both summer matches.

Then the other is simply a toss of a coin between Rhodri Williams and Reuben Morgan-Williams, who looked decent off the bench in Japan, whereas Williams watched from the stands.

Dewi Lake, who captained Wales back to winning ways, will likely be joined by Liam Belcher, depending on the longevity of Elliot Dee’s injury. The other hopeful is Evan Lloyd, who’s playing some good stuff for the Cardiff Arms Park side in the URC lately and maybe warrants a recall.

Loosehead is perhaps an easier call, with the likelihood of both Nicky Smith and Gareth Thomas being selected. The other option is interesting. Garyn Phillips had his chance in the summer to show his worth after being named in the squad. Was it enough? Rhys Barratt and Kemsley Mathias may also think they’ve done enough.

At tighthead, Archie Griffin should be the main option, despite not having a large amount of minutes with Bath in the Prem. Both Scarlets’ Henry Thomas and Cardiff’s Keiron Assiratti may also feature.

Second row is where the headaches begin. Teddy Williams was probably one of the names in the squad, but after coming off injured at the weekend against Connacht, he will not be included.

However, it’s not all gloom and doom as Dafydd Jenkins is back from injury, a huge boost. French-based players Will Rowlands and Adam Beard may be included, whilst the younger options of Freddie Thomas and Ben Carter may also.

James Ratti is another, who was in top form against Zebre in Bridgend, whilst his Ospreys teammate Rhys Davies could be a hopeful.

Lastly, the back row is the Crème de la Crème of Welsh Rugby, and it has been for some time. After his heroics in Melbourne for the Lions, Jac Morgan will be named despite not playing for the Ospreys yet this season.

Joining him will be the likes of Dragons’ Aaron Wainwright and Leicester Tigers’ Tommy Reffell.

Morgan Morse was almost included in the summer tour and has been playing some great stuff as of late. Will his time come? Josh Macleod suffered a pectoral muscle injury in training, with the severity of the injury unknown, so he may not be available.

Taine Plumtree’s versatility in Kobe, remember that pass? He may be included alongside Taulupe Faletau if fit, and the strength and experience of Ross Moriarty. Who returned to Wales from Brive over the summer. He could be one of several difference makers this Autumn.