🏉 Exciting news for Welsh rugby fans! Louis Rees-Zammit is set to make a highly-anticipated return to the starting line-up this Saturday against Japan. This marks his first start since October 2023. Steve Tandy is largely sticking with his team, looking for a win after a tough match against Argentina.
Saturday’s clash isn’t just any game—it’s crucial! With Wales currently sitting at 12th in the world rankings and Japan just behind at 13th, a win could be the ticket to a better seeding for the 2027 World Cup draw in Australia. Maintaining that top 12 spot is key!
In the line-up shuffle, Alex Mann is set to switch from blindside to openside, covering for captain Jac Morgan, who’s sidelined with a shoulder injury. Mann has mostly played at blindside but has proven his mettle at openside before. Aaron Wainwright aims to shake off a cramp that took him out early last Sunday, and Olly Cracknell, who just had his Test debut, is also joining the back-row for his first international start.
Rees-Zammit, after a stint in the NFL, steps back into the squad, replacing Tom Rogers. His last start for Wales was back in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina. Let’s hope his return can spark a revival!
🧐 Keep an eye out for potential bench additions like Taine Plumtree and Nick Tompkins.
Here’s the likely line-up:
– Blair Murray
– Louis Rees-Zammit
– Max Llewellyn
– Ben Thomas
– Josh Adams
– Dan Edwards
– Tomos Williams
– Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake, Keiron Assiratti, Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Olly Cracknell, Alex Mann, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements:
– Liam Belcher, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Taine Plumtree, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Nick Tompkins
Let’s support our team and hope for a thrilling performance! 🏆 Give us your predictions in the comments below! 👇 #WelshRugby #ReesZammitReturns