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Wales head coach Steve Tandy will this morning name his side to face South Africa in the Nations Championship on Saturday, with key changes set to be made.
After an impressive opening win over Fiji, Tandy’s side were well-beaten by Argentina in San Juan last weekend as they fell to a 35-21 defeat. Having undergone their second long-haul journey in the space of a week, things aren’t about to get any easier for Wales with the reigning world champions up next in Durban.
Amid the demanding travel schedule of the Nations Championship, Tandy has already confirmed that he will make changes to his side for the meeting with the Springboks, with some significant selection calls expected when the team is announced at 8am BST on Thursday morning.
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One area where a change is expected is in midfield, with the current centre partnership of Joe Hawkins and Eddie James yet to provide the fluency Wales need in attack. Tandy will likely also be considering a change at outside-half, as well as in the back-three, ahead of facing Rassie Erasmus’ side.
Wales have refused to rule out captain Dewi Lake after he was forced off with a groin injury against Argentina, with the hooker partially taking part in training on Tuesday. However, if he isn’t deemed fit to play, Ryan Elias is expected to start in the two jersey.
Hooker Elliot Dee has been added to Tandy’s squad and arrived in Durban on Tuesday alongside Gloucester forward Freddie Thomas, with Taine Plumtree carrying a knock.
Seven players – Evan Lloyd, Gareth Thomas, Sam Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Reuben Morgan-Williams and Ben Thomas – are yet to feature for Wales in the Nations Championship so far, with Tandy likely to bring at least some of them into the matchday squad.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, meanwhile, named his team earlier this week, making 10 changes to the side that started their 42-28 win over Scotland last weekend. Four uncapped players have been included, with wing Jaco Williams, fly-half Vusi Moyo, lock Ruben van Heerden and prop Carlu Sadie all making their Test debuts.
You can follow today’s team announcement and the latest updates from the Wales camp by following our live blog below.
