**Wales Prepare for Crucial Test Against Japan: Sherratt’s Probable Line-up Revealed**
After a disappointing run of 17 successive defeats, the Welsh rugby team has landed in Japan with a renewed sense of determination, intent on restoring pride and securing victory. Head coach Matt Sherratt faces an important selection challenge ahead of the opening test against the Brave Blossoms in Kitakyushu next Saturday. With just one rank separating Wales and Japan in the latest World Rugby standings—Wales sit 12th to Japan’s 13th—the matchup promises to be fiercely competitive.
Wales will come into this match as favourites, but underestimating a Japanese side led by the experienced Eddie Jones would be unwise. The Welsh camp will be eager to demonstrate a new attacking approach, inspired by players who have stood out for their clubs in a difficult season.
At full-back, Blair Murray appears set to start. Despite the team’s struggles, Murray has been a rare beacon, impressing with his agility, footwork, and consistent finishing. Recognised for his performances with the Scarlets and having landed a spot in the United Rugby Championship’s team of the season, his style is likely to suit the pace and expansiveness Wales hope to bring to Japan.
Joining Murray on the wings, Tom Rogers and Josh Adams are expected to provide the wide threat. Rogers has showcased reliability under the high ball and dynamic running, while Adams brings veteran leadership. Though plagued by injuries in recent years, Adams’ track record as a potent finisher and defender remains critical to Wales’ hopes of reversing their losing streak.
In the centres, Joe Roberts and Ben Thomas are widely tipped to form the midfield pairing. Roberts fought his way back to fitness and form with the Scarlets, offering incisive running and physical presence, albeit with some areas still to polish. Thomas, meanwhile, is admired by Sherratt for his vision and creative distribution. This partnership could be key to unleashing wider threats and adding variety to the Welsh attack.
The all-important half-back partnership seems set to feature Sam Costelow at fly-half. Costelow’s ability to threaten defences both as a runner and kicker has caught the eye during the Scarlets’ resurgence, while Kieran Hardy, restored to the squad after a spell out during the Six Nations, is primed to start at scrum-half following strong performances for the Ospreys.
Wales’ back row is anchored by the ever-reliable Taulupe Faletau, whose leadership and experience at No.8 are critical in such a high-pressure fixture. He will be joined by Tommy Reffell—expected to operate at openside flanker in the absence of Jac Morgan—and Aaron Wainwright, one of the few consistent positives in the recent run of results. Together, this trio offers a blend of athleticism, breakdown expertise, and carrying power.
In the engine room, attention turns to Teddy Williams and James Ratti. Williams’ athleticism and lineout skill should be well-suited for the high-tempo demands of playing in Japan, while Ratti offers the grit and power required in tight exchanges. The Welsh pack, often tested during periods of adversity, will depend on these two to provide stability and presence.
The front row selection is likely to feature Nicky Smith at loosehead prop, Ospreys captain Dewi Lake—taking on the captaincy for this tour—at hooker, and Archie Griffin at tighthead. Smith’s scrummaging prowess and work rate have earned admiration, while Lake’s dynamic play and set-piece leadership will be crucial in both attack and defence. Griffin, still making his way in the international game, brings notable energy and physicality, having impressed in last summer’s fixtures.
Wales’ bench options are expected to deliver fresh impetus. Elliot Dee remains a leading lineout thrower, while Gareth Thomas and Keiron Assiratti are solid options to maintain scrum competitiveness. Freddie Thomas and Taine Plumtree provide athletic cover in the forwards, with Reuben Morgan-Williams poised for a long-awaited debut at scrum-half. Dan Edwards may fill the versatile fly-half role, and young Macs Page—tipped as one of Welsh rugby’s brightest prospects—could make an explosive impact late on.
As anticipation builds, much focus will be on whether Sherratt’s selections can finally halt the Welsh slide and deliver a much-needed victory on Japanese soil. The fixture in Kitakyushu not only holds historical significance, but also represents an opportunity for new leaders to emerge and for Wales to forge a new path forward. With several players eager to cement their places in the squad and the collective confidence in need of restoration, all eyes will be on how this likely line-up meets the challenge ahead.