Head coach Steve Tandy has today announced the Wales team to play South Africa at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, in round three of the Nations Championship on Saturday 18 July at 17:40 SAST.
There are six changes to the starting XV from round two.
Teddy Williams makes his first start of the Nations Championship alongside Adam Beard in the second row. In the back row, Alex Mann is named at blindside flanker, with Jac Morgan at openside flanker and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8.
Dan Edwards is selected at fly half with Tomos Williams at scrum half. Ben Thomas, named at inside centre, makes his first appearance in the Nations Championship. Max Llewellyn partners Thomas in the midfield. Louis Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams start on the wings, and Blair Murray continues at fullback.
There is a six-two split on the Wales bench. Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith and Ben Warren are the front row replacements. Teddy Williams is covering the second row, with Tommy Reffell and James Botham covering the back row. Reuben Morgan-Williams and Joe Hawkins are the replacement backs.
Tandy said: “We’ve made some changes to the starting XV. 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 is the world champion. 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 team to face South Africa in Durban.
Wales:
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 18 caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 42 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 12 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 18 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 72 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 12 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Saracens – 74 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers – 69 caps) Replacements
7. Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby – 26 caps)
6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 67 caps)
4. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (Dragons – 59 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Captain, Gloucester Rugby – 33 caps)
1. Rhys Carre (Saracens – 30 caps)
Replacements:
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 50 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks – 65 caps)
18. Ben Warren (Ospreys – 2 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 8 caps)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 29 caps)
21. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 23 caps)
22. Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys – 2 caps)
23. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 12 caps)