Louis Rees-Zammit benched by Wales with ex-England U20 star set for debut

Louis Rees-Zammit will start on the bench this week for Wales against Argentina in round two of the Nations Championship in San Juan.

Having started on the wing last week against Fiji, the 25-year-old is one of three changes to the starting XV for the match against the Pumas. Ellis Mee, who started on the bench last week, will swap roles with Rees-Zammit.

The further two changes made to the starting XV by Steve Tandy are James Botham starting at blindside flanker instead of Alex Mann, and Sam Costelow starting at fly-half instead of Dan Edwards. Both Mann and Edwards are out of the squad entirely.

Botham’s place on the bench last week will be filled by former England U20 back-row Kane James, who will make his Wales debut from the bench.

Tandy said: “There are three changes this week. I think it’s a great opportunity for those boys coming in. An exciting challenge.

Fixture

Nations Championship

Argentina

35 - 21

Full-time

Wales

All Stats and Data

“This weekend we’re just looking forward to building on last week’s performance.

“It’s going to be an amazing opportunity for us playing away from home, which is always exciting. I think it’s a really good test for us to see where we’re at. We know that Argentina are a really passionate and skilful team.”

Wales XV: 15 Blair Murray (Scarlets); 14 Ellis Mee (Scarlets), 13 Eddie James (Scarlets), 12 Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), 11 Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby); 10 Sam Costelow (Scarlets), 9 Tomos Williams (Saracens); 1 Rhys Carre (Saracens), 2 Dewi Lake (Gloucester Rugby, captain), 3 Dillon Lewis (Dragons), 4 Ben Carter (Dragons), 5 Adam Beard (Montpellier), 6 James Botham (Cardiff Rugby), 7 Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), 8 Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers)

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias (Scarlets), 17 Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks), 18 Ben Warren (Ospreys), 19 Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby), 20 Kane James (Exeter Chiefs), 21 Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), 22 Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby), 23 Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears)