Head coach Steve Tandy has announced the Wales team to play New Zealand at Principality Stadium in round five of the Nations Championship on Saturday 14 November, KO 14.10h.
There are four changes to the starting XV who beat Japan 28-21 in round four.
In the back row, Taine Basham starts at No. 8 to make his first appearance for Wales since the 2024 Guinness Six Nations. James Botham is named at blindside flanker, with Jac Morgan continuing at openside flanker.
Adam Beard is selected in the second row alongside Dafydd Jenkins.
There is one change to the Wales back line, as Gabriel Hamer-Webb comes on to the wing for his first appearance in the Nations Championship.
Among the Wales replacements Gareth Thomas and Taine Plumtree are also in line to make their first appearances in the competition.
Tandy said: “We’re excited for the opportunity we have against New Zealand. It was good to get the win last Saturday, but some elements of our execution weren’t where we wanted. We have to go up another level this weekend and be more ruthless. We have one of the best teams in the world coming. We want to be better and put in an 80-minute performance.”
On Basham’s selection Tandy added: “I’m delighted that Taine gets an opportunity this weekend. It’s been a while since his last appearance for Wales but he didn’t give up and has put in a lot of dedication and hard work to get back. The way he’s been playing for Cardiff has been great and I’m excited to see him go on Saturday.”
Aaron Wainwright is unavailable for selection this week due to a minor calf injury.
Keiron Assiratti has been called up to the wider Wales Nations Championship squad as Tomas Francis will be released following a knee injury sustained in training this week.
Wales team to face New Zealand at Principality Stadium Saturday 14 November, KO 14.10h. Live on ITV and S4C
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 20 caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears | Bryste – 44 caps)
13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 12 caps)
12. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 14 caps)
11. Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 1 cap)
10. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 23 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Saracens | Saraseniaid – 76 caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks – 67 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 35 caps) Captain | Capten
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby | Caerfaddon – 17 caps)
4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs | Caerwysg – 32 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 68 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 25 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 28 caps)
8. Taine Basham (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 17 caps)
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 52 caps)
17. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys | Gweilch – 44 caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Dragons | Dreigiau – 60 caps)
19. Ben Carter (Dragons | Dreigiau – 22 caps)
20. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 15 caps)
21. Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys | Gweilch – 3 caps)
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys | Gweilch – 14 caps)
23. Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby | Caerfaddon – 1 cap)
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