Head coach Steve Tandy has today announced the Wales team to play Fiji in the opening round of the Nations Championship on Saturday 4 July, KO 14.10h.
Dewi Lake captains Wales in the away fixture taking place at Cardiff City Stadium, which is Fiji’s chosen home venue for the match.
Rhys Carre and Dillon Lewis are the starting props alongside Lake in the front row.
Ben Carter starts in the second row partnered with Adam Beard, who joined the squad this week following the Top 14 final.
In the back row Alex Mann is named at blindside flanker, Jac Morgan is at openside flanker and last weekend’s player of the match Aaron Wainwright is at No. 8.
Tomos Williams starts at scrum half with Dan Edwards, who scored two tries against the Barbarians, starting at fly half.
Joe Hawkins and Eddie James continue in the midfield for the sixth successive game for Wales.
Blair Murray, who made his debut against Fiji in November 2024, is selected at fullback with Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit named on the wings.
Among the Wales replacements Ben Warren is in line to win his first cap this weekend, having made his first senior appearance for Wales in the uncapped match against the Barbarians last Saturday.
Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Taine Plumtree and James Botham are the other replacement forwards. Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow and Ellis Mee provide cover for the backs.
Tandy said: “It’s been awesome get back into camp and get ready for games. We want to keep building on the Six Nations and from last weekend as well. We’ve created a lot of momentum and we’re looking to hit the ground running on Saturday.”
On playing Fiji in Cardiff Tandy added: “We love to be in Wales playing games. Our support means a hell of a lot to us and our fans are incredible how they get behind the team. We’re excited to be in Cardiff to start the Nations Championship.”
On the uncapped Warren, Tandy commented: “Ben picks up things really quickly. I think he’s really developed over the last month in scrums with Paul [James, scrum coach] and for him to get an opportunity to make his debut on Saturday, and in Cardiff, is great.
Tickets are available via Cardiff City Stadium Events and Ticketmaster.
Wales team to face Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium, Saturday 4 July, KO 14.10h. Live on ITV and S4C
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 16 caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 40 caps)
13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 9 caps)
12. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 11 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 70 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 11 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Saracens – 72 caps)
1. Rhys Carre (Saracens – 28 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Captain, Gloucester Rugby – 31 caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (Dragons – 57 caps)
4. Ben Carter (Dragons – 19 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 65 caps)
6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby – 24 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers – 67 caps)
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 48 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks – 63 caps)
18. Ben Warren (Ospreys – uncapped)
19. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 14 caps)
20. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 21 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 31 caps)
22. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 20 caps)
23. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 8 caps)
Killer Curio
Sport Trivia: Who was the first person from South Africa to win the Olympic 100m sprint? Answer: Reggie Walker. South African Reggie Walker won the Olympic 100m track event in London in 1908. He set a new Olympic record of 10.8 seconds in his semi final, and equalled it in the final. He was just 19yrs and 128 days old when he won the gold medal. Paul Nash equalled the then world record of 10.0 seconds four times in 1968.
Tulipcake
Sport Trivia: Who was the first SA cricketer to take a hat trick in Test cricket? Answer: Geoff Griffin in the second test match against England at Lords in June 1960 — he dismissed Mike Smith, caught by the wicket-keeper, then bowled Peter Walker and Freddy Trueman. England went on to win the game by an innings and 73 runs. He never played another test match after that, due to his continually being called no-ball for alleged throwing.