Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made five changes to his starting team for their Test against the Springboks at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
Rio Dyer makes his first appearance of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series having being named on the wing. Blair Murray moves to fullback with Tom Rogers completing the back three.
Sam Costelow comes in at flyhalf for his first start this November.
Christ Tshiunza is named in the second row alongside Will Rowlands following injury to Adam Beard. Taine Plumtree starts at No 8 with James Botham at blindside flanker and Jac Morgan at openside.
There are two changes among the Wales replacements: Freddie Thomas, who joins the bench as second row cover, is in line to win his first cap for Wales on Saturday. Josh Hathaway joins Rhodri Williams and Eddie James as the backline cover.
Gatland said: “Last week’s result (against Australia) hurts and we are just as disappointed by it as the fans. Our focus now is on training and preparing well for our final game of this Autumn Nations Series.
“We know what a quality side South Africa are and the physicality they bring. This week we need to show real courage and front up against the World Champions.”
Wales starting XV: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Rio Dyer; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Ellis Bevan; 8 Taine Plumtree, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 James Botham; 5 Christ Tshiunza, 4 Will Rowlands; 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 1 Gareth Thomas. Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Eddie James, 23 Josh Hathaway.
South Africa starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt); 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn; 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Thomas du Toit. Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Handre Pollard.
Comments