Get ready, rugby fans! Wales is gearing up for a crucial clash against Japan, and the stakes are higher than ever. This Saturday, November 15th, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff (kick-off at 17:40 GMT), the Autumn Nations Series continues with a match that could significantly impact Wales' future. You can catch the commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and follow the live text updates on BBC Sport online.
Louis Rees-Zammit, the dynamic wing, is set to make his first start for Wales since the 2023 World Cup, stepping up from the bench. Joining him in the starting lineup is Olly Cracknell, the back-row forward.
Head coach Steve Tandy has made four key changes to the team that faced Argentina, where Wales unfortunately suffered a 52-28 defeat. Rees-Zammit will take the right-wing position, replacing Tom Rogers, and Cracknell steps in at number eight, filling the void left by the injured captain, Jac Morgan.
Tandy is also shaking up the front row, with Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin starting, while Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti move to the bench. The absence of British and Irish Lions forward Morgan means Dewi Lake, who captained the team during the summer tour to Japan, will lead the side once again.
Morgan's shoulder injury, sustained while scoring a try against the Pumas, has forced a reshuffle in the back row. Alex Mann will play in the unfamiliar number seven jersey, while Aaron Wainwright, recovered from a previous injury, shifts to blind-side flanker.
Tandy praised Mann, saying, "We feel he's got all the qualities to play six or seven. Some of his attacking ability you've seen on the weekend and his defensive energy was outstanding. Bringing Olly Cracknell in at number eight and moving Aaron Wainwright to six gives us a really good balance in the back row."
Scarlets forward Taine Plumtree and Saracens centre Nick Tompkins are also back in the squad, having missed the Argentina game, with Rogers dropping out of the 23.
Here's an interesting twist: The matchday squad includes 12 players based outside of Wales, with 11 from England and Montpellier lock Adam Beard. These players will be unavailable for the autumn finale against South Africa, as it falls outside World Rugby's official Test window.
Rees-Zammit, who made his international return as a substitute against Argentina, earning his 33rd cap, is back in the spotlight. After a two-year stint trying his hand at American football, he's returned to rugby with Bristol this summer.
This will be Rees-Zammit's first start since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, and he'll be aiming to add to his impressive tally of 14 international tries.
Tandy highlighted Rees-Zammit's impact, stating, "He was brilliant last week coming off the bench and was disappointed not to have one or two tries. He can produce something and international rugby you need people who can break the game on something really small. We're fortunate to have someone like 'Zammo' available to us. Him starting on the weekend is not just exciting for us coaches, but the fans as well."
But here's where it gets controversial... This match in Cardiff is vital. Wales, currently ranked 12th, needs a win to maintain their position above Japan in the rankings and secure their spot in the second pot of seeds for the 2027 World Cup.
Tandy is seeking his first win since taking charge this summer, after Wales broke an 18-Test losing streak with a victory in Japan under interim boss Matt Sherratt, now the attack coach.
Japan is expected to announce their team for Saturday's game on Thursday evening.
Wales' starting lineup: Murray; Rees-Zammit, Llewellyn, B Thomas, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Smith, Lake (capt), Griffin, D Jenkins, Beard, Wainwright, Mann, Cracknell.
Replacements: Belcher, Carre, Assiratti, F Thomas, Plumtree, Hardy, J Evans, Tompkins.
What do you think? Will Rees-Zammit's return make the difference? Do you agree with the team selections? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
