Overview
- Louis Rees-Zammit has been promoted to the starting XV on the right wing for Saturday’s Cardiff Test, his first Wales start since the 2023 World Cup.
- Head coach Steve Tandy made four changes after the Argentina loss, bringing in Olly Cracknell at number eight for injured captain Jac Morgan and handing the captaincy to Dewi Lake.
- The back row has been reshaped with Aaron Wainwright moving to blindside flanker and Alex Mann taking the seven jersey.
- Props Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin come into the starting front row with Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti named on the bench after a six-day turnaround.
- Rees-Zammit says he is fit and "just over 100kg," describing himself as heavier, faster and more explosive after his NFL spell, as Wales look to stay ahead of 13th-ranked Japan to protect World Cup seeding.