Overview
- Wales make four changes to face Japan, with Louis Rees‑Zammit promoted to the wing and Dewi Lake captaining after Jac Morgan’s shoulder injury, in a match with World Cup seeding implications for 12th‑ranked Wales against 13th‑ranked Japan.
- South Africa overhaul their lineup with 11 changes for Italy, restoring Handré Pollard at fly‑half and opting for bench versatility that includes Andre Esterhuizen as a hybrid forward/centre and Marco van Staden as emergency hooker cover.
- Ireland hand Mack Hansen a first Test start at full‑back and recall Sam Prendergast at fly‑half in a nine‑change side, with Caelan Doris shifting to openside and Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier still unavailable.
- Australia recall Len Ikitau at centre and James O’Connor at fly‑half to face Ireland, bring Max Jorgensen in at full‑back, and reshuffle the pack with Allan Alaalatoa starting and Tom Hooper moving to lock.
- New Zealand name their XV for England with captain Scott Barrett returning at lock, Beauden Barrett at fly‑half, and Leicester Fainga’anuku moving to the wing after Caleb Clarke’s concussion.