LRZ back in one of six changes as Wales get huge relief for Bok challenge

Louis Rees-Zammit has been recalled as one of six changes to the Wales starting XV for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with South Africa, with Dewi Lake passed fit to captain the side despite being an injury doubt throughout the week.

Lake had been struggling with a groin injury in the build-up, prompting Wales to call Elliot Dee into the squad as hooker cover. However, the incoming Gloucester hooker has recovered in time to retain both his starting place and the captaincy against the world champions.

Rees-Zammit returns on the right wing in place of Ellis Mee, while Dan Edwards replaces Sam Costelow at fly-half. Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn also come into the midfield for Joe Hawkins and Eddie James, respectively.

In the pack, Teddy Williams replaces Ben Carter in the second-row, while Alex Mann comes into the back-row for James Botham, who drops to the bench.

Tandy has again opted for a 6-2 split among the replacements as Wales end their July campaign with one of the toughest challenges in the game currently.

Fixture

Nations Championship

South Africa

08:40

18 Jul 26

Wales

All Stats and Data

“We’ve made some changes to the starting XV,” Tandy said. “It’s coming to the end of the season; we’ve had a big bit of travel. Some boys deserve an opportunity and it’s a chance to freshen up the team.

“South Africa are world champions. They have loads of depth.

“For us, it’s about putting our game out there. We want to see a real physical edge.

“We’re going up against probably the most physical team in the world. So we know we’re going to have to really step up the physicality. It’s a great opportunity to test ourselves against the best team in the world.”

Wales XV: 15. Blair Murray; 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. Max Llewellyn, 12. Ben Thomas, 11. Josh Adams; 10. Dan Edwards, 9. Tomos Williams; 1. Rhys Carre, 2. Dewi Lake (captain), 3. Dillon Lewis, 4. Teddy Williams, 5. Adam Beard, 6. Alex Mann, 7. Jac Morgan, 8. Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: 16. Ryan Elias, 17. Nicky Smith, 18. Ben Warren, 19. Freddie Thomas, 20. Tommy Reffell, 21. James Botham, 22. Reuben Morgan-Williams, 23. Joe Hawkins