The presence of Jasper Wiese meant that Cracknell initially appeared plenty of times at flanker and off the bench, but the strong-running South Africa number eight left Welford Road in 2024.
Cracknell stepped up and started 23 times last season when helping Tigers to the Prem final, while he has started at number eight in four of five rounds in 2025-25 with one outing as a replacement.
He is tasked with being the destructive force in an uncompromising league for a club that prides itself on pack power.
“He is knocking people back with his ball-carrying and tackling,” said Wales loose-head prop and club team-mate Nicky Smith.
“It’s great to have him around and I have no doubt that he will show what he has been doing for Leicester.”
Tandy earned his chance as Wales boss with his exploits as a defence coach and against a notoriously physical Argentina team, has opted for a man that relishes collisions.
Pumas hooker Julian Montoya could find himself on the receiving end of a hit from a man who made a big impression on him at Welford Road.
“I love ‘Crackers’. He is an amazing man and I am really happy for him,” said the 32-year-old, who left for Pau at the end of last season.
“He has been outstanding in Leicester with the way that he has played and carried himself as a man.
“I have massive respect for him and I am not surprised at all that he has been picked.
“He carries the ball hard every game, tackles and is relentless with his physicality. He is a tough player.”
Now, almost 12 years after heading to Colwyn Bay with RGC, Cracknell will attempt to show that on the Test stage.
