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These are your evening rugby headlines on Friday, January 16.
James faces final Wales audition
Exeter Chiefs star Kane James has been handed a golden opportunity to force his way into Steve Tandy’s Wales squad after being named in the starting line-up to face Cardiff in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
The 20-year-old back rower, who hails from Haverfordwest, has impressed with a series of eye-catching cameos from the bench in recent weeks, showcasing his explosive carrying ability and massive work rate in short but memorable performances.
Eligible for both England and Wales, as well as New Zealand, James previously wore the red jersey at U18 level but made the switch to England U20s in 2024 as they won a historic Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship double.
However, he has said previously that he is open to switching back to Wales as he eyes senior international honours and the Chiefs man has been tipped to win a Test call-up when Tandy names his squad next week.
If he is not there already, James will have the opportunity to force his way into the Wales boss’ final plans as he takes to the field at Sandy Park this weekend, starting at number eight in place of the rested Greg Fisilau. Wales selectors are certain to be at the match ahead of a final selection meeting before the squad is named on Tuesday.
After naming his side, Exeter boss Rob Baxter said: “For lots of different reasons, getting a home round of 16 draw is really important. It’s key for us to maintain our home form, as that was one of the foundations of us building a very strong team in the past.
“It’s something we’ve got to talk about now, that nobody comes to Sandy Park and gets easy points, easy metres or easy tries.”
“Cardiff are very competitive at the breakdown,” he added. “That’ll be another challenge for us, and they like to play rugby! They move the ball well and when they get momentum in a game, they look very dangerous.
“They’re having one of those seasons where they can challenge anybody, but we are as well, so that should create a really good game.”
Rees-Zammit returns in timely boost for Tandy
Bristol have confirmed Louis Rees-Zammit will return to the Bears’ starting line-up this weekend after recovering fully from a head knock, in a timely boost for Wales head coach Steve Tandy.
The 24-year-old was withdrawn from his side’s clash with Sale Sharks at the start of the month after hitting his head, and he was too ill to return to the field despite passing a head injury assessement (HIA).
Despite this, he flew out to South Africa with his teammates ahead of Bristol’s match against the Bulls last weekend and was set to feature at Loftus-Versfeld, having taken part in training during the week.
However, the Wales international was pulled from the starting line-up for that clash late in the day, having failed another head injury test after showing symptoms in training.
Now, however, Rees-Zammit has been cleared to play, with head coach Pat Lam including him in his starting side to face reigning champions Bordeaux in the Champions Cup.
He is one of three internationals that have been brought back into the starting lineup, with England stars Ellis Genge and Harry Randall starting at loosehead and scrum-half respectively.
While Rees-Zammit’s long-term availability was not under any major threat, his return to action will be welcomed by Tandy, who will name his first Six Nations squad next week.
Welsh-qualified centre James Williams also starts as he gets one more opportunity to stake a claim for a first Six Nations squad place.
Bristol Bears: 15. Louis Rees-Zammit, 14. Noah Heward, 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12. James Williams, 11. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 10. Tom Jordan, 9. Harry Randall, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Gabriel Oghre, 3. George Kloska, 4. Pedro Rubiolo, 5. Joe Batley, 6. Santiago Grondona, 7. Fitz Harding (c), 8. Bill Mata
Replacements: 16. Harry Thacker, 17. Max Lahiff, 18. Jimmy Halliwell, 19. Joe Owen, 20. Benjamin Grondona, 21. Kieran Marmion, 22. Sam Worsley, 23. Matias Moroni
Van Zyl makes 10 changes
Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl has made 10 changes to his side ahead of their Challenge Cup clash with Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.
The Welsh side have already secured qualification for the knockout stages of the European competition following their bonus-point victory over Racing 92 last weekend, but could earn a home draw in the Round of 16 with a win over Exeter.
Ahead of his side’s visit to Sandy Park, van Zyl has made wholesale changes to his starting team, with six coming in the pack.
Josh McNally comes in to skipper the side at lock as he partners Rory Thornton in the engine room, while Dan Thomas and James Botham have been brought into the back-row with Taine Basham moving to number eight.
It’s all change in the front row too, with former Exeter man Danny Southworth packing down with Evan Lloyd and Sam Wainwright.
In the backs, meanwhile, Ioan Lloyd returns from injury to start at fly-half, with Johan Mulder his half-back partner. Rory Jennings has been given the nod to start at 12, while Mason Grady is brought into the back three.
On the bench, van Zyl has opted for a 6-2 split, with Wales U20s captain Tom Cottle in line for his competitive debut having been named among the replacements.
“To get the win over Racing was good for momentum and the squad’s confidence,” said van Zyl. “We were pleased with the performance and how we got back to what we are good at. It’s no secret where Exeter are sitting in the Premiership, so they’ve had a really positive season and turned things around from last year.
“They’ve become a very difficult team to beat, like they used to be, based on few of the basics of the game. They have a really good breakdown, really good set-piece, really good kicking game, and then obviously they’ve got some really dangerous backs that can score tries.
“It’s going to be a nice challenge,” he added. “But 100 per cent something we look forward to. We will put our game on the pitch and see what happens.”
Cardiff: 15. Jacob Beetham; 14. Mason Grady, 13. Cornel Smit, 12. Rory Jennings, 11. Tom Bowen; 10. Ioan Lloyd, 9. Johan Mulder; 1. Danny Southworth, 2. Evan Lloyd, 3. Sam Wainwright, 4. Josh McNally (capt), 5. Rory Thornton, 6. James Botham, 7. Dan Thomas, 8. Taine Basham.
Replacements: 16. Daf Hughes, 17. Corey Domachowski, 18. Keiron Assiratti, 19. George Nott, 20. Alun Lawrence, 21. Tom Cottle, 22. Ieuan Davies, 23. Cam Winnett.
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