🏉 Exciting changes for Wales’ clash against Japan this Saturday! New head coach Steve Tandy is sticking largely with the team that faced Argentina, but has made four key changes in the starting line-up.
🚀 Fan-favourites Louis Rees-Zammit and Olly Cracknell move into the starting XV, stepping in for Tom Rogers and the injured Jac Morgan, respectively. Olly shifts to No. 8 while Aaron Wainwright takes on the role at six, allowing Alex Mann to showcase his skills at openside flanker.
🔄 Tandy’s also switched up the front row, bringing in Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin, while benching Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti. The team is eager to secure their first win under Tandy’s guidance to boost vital world rankings heading into the 2027 World Cup draw.
🔔 Despite some rough patches last weekend, Blair Murray holds his ground as full-back, offering a chance to rebound and showcase his talent. Meanwhile, Ben Thomas keeps his spot in midfield after last weekend’s drama.
🗣️ Tandy expresses confidence in his line-up: “We were planning a rotation with the props and have reshuffled the back row for a perfect balance. Rees-Zammit is ready to shine on the wing. We’ve seen lots of promise in our playing style and aim to build on that.”
🌟 Special mention to Dewi Lake, taking charge as captain. Tandy praises his leadership: “He’s brilliant on and off the field, setting high standards of training and performance.”
Team for Saturday: Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (captain), Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Aaron Wainwright, Alex Mann, Olly Cracknell.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Taine Plumtree, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Nick Tompkins.
🏆 Stay tuned and let’s cheer the team on to victory! 🏆