Louis Rees-Zammit set for first start since 2023 vs Japan

Getting his first start for Wales since transitioning back from American football, Louis Rees-Zammit is set to take the field as Japan comes to Cardiff this Saturday. The 24-year-old winger, now with Bristol after a spell with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, has been included in Steve Tandy's lineup for the second game of the Quilter Nations Series at Principality Stadium.

Rees-Zammit, who last appeared for Wales during the 2023 World Cup, came off the bench in the recent 52-28 defeat to Argentina. In light of captain Jac Morgan's injury, there have been adjustments in the pack, including Alex Mann moving to openside flanker and Alan Wainwright slotting in at blindside. Olly Cracknell of Leicester steps in at number eight following his debut off the bench last week.

Tandy has also made changes in the front row, with Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin starting in place of Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti, who are now among the substitutes. Dewi Lake will lead the team as captain in Morgan's absence due to a dislocated shoulder, ruling him out for the remainder of the autumn series.

"We showed glimpses of our desired style of play against Argentina," remarked Tandy. "There were positives — our attacking was strong, and there was a good level of physicality. However, there's still room for improvement, and that's been our focus. We aim to carry forward the positives from the last game into this weekend."

Wales team vs. Japan:

Wales: Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (captain), Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Aaron Wainwright, Alex Mann, Olly Cracknell.

Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Taine Plumtree, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Nick Tompkins.