Louis Rees-Zammit has been recalled to Wales’ starting lineup for Saturday’s clash with Japan in Cardiff.
The 24-year-old replaces Tom Rogers on the right wing in one of four changes to the side that started in last week’s 52-28 loss to Argentina.
Rees-Zammit joins Blair Murray and Josh Adams in a back-three packed with pace, while Max Llewellyn and Ben Thomas continue their midfield combination. Dan Edwards and Tomos Williams once again link up at halfback.
Among the forwards, Olly Cracknell earns a promotion from the bench to No 8 in place of the injured Jac Morgan, prompting a reshuffle that sees Alex Mann shift to openside and Aaron Wainwright move to blindside. Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins continue in the second row.
In the front row, Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin are brought in to start alongside captain Dewi Lake, with Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti named among the replacements.
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“Louis played some good minutes last weekend and we feel he’s ready to return to the starting lineup,” said Wales coach Steve Tandy. “Our attack was excellent against Argentina and our physicality stood out, but there’s still lots to improve. This weekend is about building on that.”
Tandy also praised new skipper Dewi Lake: “He’s brilliant in camp – he drives the team and sets the standards. He’s an outstanding leader.”
WALES – 15 Blair Murray, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Olly Cracknell, 7 Alex Mann, 6 Aaron Wainwright, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Nicky Smith.
Bench: 16 Liam Belcher, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Nick Tompkins.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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