When Warren Gatland dropped the news on Wednesday morning, the Welsh rugby world didn’t just hear a squad change — it felt a shift. The 59-year-old head coach, back in charge since December 2022, announced that Thomas Cracknell, a 23-year-old uncapped back-rower from Dragons Rugby, was stepping into the Autumn Nations Series squad as a direct replacement for the legendary Taulupe Faletau, who’s out for the season with a grade two hamstring tear. The injury happened during a full-contact session at the Vale Resort in Hensol on Tuesday, November 7, just hours after Wales’ bruising 55-23 loss to New Zealand. Faletau, 32, had played 62 minutes in that match and was expected to anchor the back row against Japan on Saturday. Now, he’s sidelined for six to eight weeks — ruling him out of every game in the series, including the high-stakes clashes with Australia and Fiji.
From Academy to the Edge of International Glory
Thomas Cracknell didn’t come out of nowhere. He’s the product of the Dragons academy system, joining at 16 in 2016. He’s spent the last two seasons grinding in the United Rugby Championship, making 15 appearances this season alone — 102 carries, 87 tackles, 12 turnovers. That’s not flashy stats. That’s workhorse stuff. The kind of physicality Gatland values when he’s rebuilding a forward pack after years of reliance on Faletau’s brilliance. Cracknell became the first Dragons player called up to the senior Wales squad since Taine Basham in August 2021. That’s over two years of waiting. And now? He’s walking into the lion’s den."Losing a player of Taulupe’s experience and physical presence is always difficult," Gatland said in the official release. "But Thomas has impressed everyone with his work ethic and physicality." That’s not just PR. It’s the truth. Cracknell’s last game — a 34-24 win over Zebre Parma at Rodney Parade on November 4 — was his audition. He played 71 minutes. He was everywhere. He didn’t just show up. He demanded attention.
Another Change at Fly-Half
While Cracknell’s call-up stole headlines, another quiet revolution was happening in the backline. Dan Edwards, 22, the Scarlets fly-half, was named to start against Japan — his first ever international start. He’s earned three caps as a substitute during the Six Nations, but Saturday is different. It’s his moment. And it came because veteran Dan Biggar, 34, with 109 caps and the heart of Welsh rugby, picked up a minor calf strain in the New Zealand game. Biggar’s expected back for Australia on November 25. But for now? The reins are in Edwards’ hands. He’s calm under pressure. He’s got a boot like a precision tool. And he’s got the nerve to step into a stadium that’s seen more Welsh legends than most towns have pubs.The Stage: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
The Principality Stadium — 73,931 seats, roaring crowds, that familiar scent of damp wool and adrenaline — will host the 16th meeting between Wales and Japan. Wales leads the series 13-2. But this isn’t just about history. It’s about transition. Japan, under Eddie Jones, arrived in Cardiff on November 7 with their captain, Kazuki Himeno, vowing to field their strongest available side despite injuries. They’re not here to make up the numbers. They’re here to prove they belong.For Wales, this is more than a game. It’s a test of depth. Faletau’s absence isn’t just a loss of talent — it’s a loss of leadership. He’s been the steady hand in the back row for over a decade. Now, Cracknell, barely out of his teens, has to fill that void. No pressure.
What’s Next? The Ripple Effect
This injury opens a door — and it might not close for a while. If Cracknell performs, he won’t just be a stopgap. He’ll be the future. And if Edwards delivers? He could force Biggar into a more nuanced role, perhaps even a mentor position, as Wales looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup cycle. Gatland’s squad now has two new faces who’ve never worn the red jersey in a starting XV. That’s rare. That’s bold.The medical team at Nuffield Health Hospital confirmed Faletau’s rehab timeline on November 7. He’ll be back in time for the Six Nations — if not sooner. But for now, the spotlight shifts. To a young flanker who’s never played a Test. To a fly-half who’s never started one. To a team that’s being rebuilt, one tackle, one carry, one moment at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Thomas Cracknell’s call-up for Welsh rugby?
Cracknell’s selection is one of the most notable uncapped call-ups in recent Welsh history. He’s the first Dragons player to earn a senior Wales spot since 2021, breaking a trend of Cardiff and Ospreys dominance in national selections. His physical stats — 102 carries and 12 turnovers this URC season — suggest he’s ready for Test rugby, and his promotion signals a shift toward developing homegrown talent from the regional academies.
Why was Taulupe Faletau’s injury so impactful?
Faletau’s 98 caps and 11-year international career make him one of Wales’ most reliable and intelligent back-rowers. His ability to link play, win turnovers, and dominate at the breakdown was irreplaceable. His absence leaves a leadership vacuum in the forwards, especially with the retirement of Alun Wyn Jones and the injury to Justin Tipuric earlier this season. Cracknell will need to adapt quickly to fill that tactical and emotional gap.
What does Dan Edwards’ start mean for Wales’ future?
Edwards’ first start signals a planned transition away from Dan Biggar, who’s now 34 and has carried Wales’ kicking game for over a decade. With Biggar expected back for Australia, Edwards has a golden opportunity to prove he can handle pressure in a high-stakes Test. His calmness under fire and accurate goal-kicking (87% this season) suggest he’s not just a stopgap — he could be the long-term successor.
How does this affect Wales’ chances in the Autumn Nations Series?
Wales’ chances against Japan remain strong, but the series becomes far more uncertain beyond that. Without Faletau, the back row lacks its anchor. Against New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji — all physically dominant sides — Wales will need Cracknell to deliver immediately, and the entire pack to compensate. A win against Japan is vital to maintain momentum, but the real test comes in Cardiff on November 18, when the All Blacks return.
Is this a sign of a new era in Welsh rugby selection?
Absolutely. For years, Wales relied on a core of veteran players from Cardiff and Ospreys. Now, with Cracknell and Edwards both coming from the Dragons and Scarlets respectively — and both under 23 — Gatland is clearly investing in the next generation. The message is clear: performance trumps pedigree. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough — even if you’ve never worn the red jersey.
When will Taulupe Faletau return to play?
Faletau’s rehab timeline is six to eight weeks, meaning his earliest possible return is mid-December. He’s ruled out of all Autumn Nations fixtures, including the crucial Australia and Fiji matches. However, he’s expected to be available for the 2024 Six Nations, assuming his recovery progresses without setbacks. His leadership will be missed, but his experience will be vital when he returns.
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