Rees-Zammit recalled as fit-again Lake captains Wales against world champions South Africa

Louis Rees-Zammit has been recalled to the Wales starting XV for Saturday’s Nations Championship fixture against South Africa in Durban, as head coach Matt Tandy makes six changes to the side. Captain Dewi Lake, who had been a doubt all week with a groin injury, has been passed fit to start at hooker and retain the armband.

Lake’s fitness was the major concern in the build-up, with Gloucester hooker Elliot Dee called into the squad as cover. His recovery means Wales go into one of their toughest assignments of the summer with their first-choice captain leading the side against the world champions.

Rees-Zammit comes in on the right wing at the expense of Ellis Mee, while Dan Edwards replaces Sam Costelow at fly-half. The midfield is also reshuffled, with Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn starting in place of Joe Hawkins and Eddie James. In the pack, Teddy Williams takes the second-row berth vacated by Ben Carter, and Alex Mann enters the back-row for James Botham, who drops to the bench. Tandy has again opted for a 6-2 split among the replacements.

“We’ve made some changes to the starting XV,” Tandy said. “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.”

The Wales head coach was candid about the scale of the challenge awaiting his side. “South Africa are world champions. 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.”

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to his starting XV from the side that defeated Scotland 42-28 in round two of the Nations Championship.

Wales XV: Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (captain), Dillon Lewis, Teddy Williams, Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, James Botham, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Joe Hawkins.