Overview

• Matt Sherratt has named his Wales squad for the first Test in Japan tomorrow, calling a win “massive” to end the nation’s record 17-match professional-era losing streak.
• Sherratt’s team faces an inexperienced Japan side selected by Eddie Jones that includes two uncapped starters and six bench rookies to challenge hot, humid conditions in Kitakyushu.
• Joe Schmidt excluded Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and Jake Gordon from his Fiji Test squad after calf and hamstring strains but expects all three to recover for the British & Irish Lions series.
• Number eight Harry Wilson retains the Wallabies captaincy for Sunday’s match in Newcastle while Dave Porecki returns to start at hooker in his first Test since the 2023 World Cup.
• Both the Japan and Fiji fixtures serve as key warm-ups, with Australia also facing Super Rugby opponents before the first Lions-Wallabies Test in Brisbane on July 19.