Rees-Zammit dropped to bench as Kane James set for Wales debut against Argentina

Louis Rees-Zammit has been dropped to the bench for Wales’ Nations Championship round-two fixture against Argentina in San Juan on 11 July, with head coach Steve Tandy making three changes to the starting XV that faced Fiji last week.

Ellis Mee, who came off the bench in that opening match, swaps roles with Rees-Zammit and takes the wing berth. The other two alterations see James Botham come in at blindside flanker in place of Alex Mann, and Sam Costelow start at fly-half instead of Dan Edwards. Both Mann and Edwards have been released from the squad entirely.

The most notable development among the replacements is the inclusion of Kane James, a back-row who previously represented England at Under-20 level. The Exeter Chiefs forward will earn his first senior Wales cap from the bench, filling the spot vacated by Botham’s promotion to the starting line-up.

Tandy acknowledged the opportunity the changes present. “There are three changes this week. I think it’s a great opportunity for those boys coming in. An exciting challenge,” he said. “This weekend we’re just looking forward to building on last week’s performance. It’s going to be an amazing opportunity for us playing away from home, which is always exciting. I think it’s a really good test for us to see where we’re at. We know that Argentina are a really passionate and skilful team.”

Wales name a starting XV with a heavy Scarlets contingent, with Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Josh Adams and Sam Costelow all representing the region. Dewi Lake captains the side from hooker, now with Gloucester Rugby.

Wales XV: 15 Blair Murray (Scarlets); 14 Ellis Mee (Scarlets), 13 Eddie James (Scarlets), 12 Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), 11 Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby); 10 Sam Costelow (Scarlets), 9 Tomos Williams (Saracens); 1 Rhys Carre (Saracens), 2 Dewi Lake (Gloucester Rugby, capt), 3 Dillon Lewis (Dragons), 4 Ben Carter (Dragons), 5 Adam Beard (Montpellier), 6 James Botham (Cardiff Rugby), 7 Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), 8 Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers).

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias (Scarlets), 17 Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks), 18 Ben Warren (Ospreys), 19 Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby), 20 Kane James (Exeter Chiefs), 21 Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), 22 Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby), 23 Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears).