Wales announce team to face Argentina

Head coach Steve Tandy has today announced the Wales team to play Argentina at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in round two of the Nations Championship on Saturday 11 July, KO 20.10h BST (16.10h local).

There are three changes to the starting XV from round one.

James Botham is named at blindside flanker with Jac Morgan at openside flanker. Aaron Wainwright, who made his debut for Wales eight years ago in San Juan, completes the back row at No. 8.

Sam Costelow is selected at fly half with Tomos Williams at scrum half while Ellis Mee starts on the wing alongside Josh Adams, with Blair Murray again at fullback.

Among the replacements there are two milestones for Wales on Saturday: Ryan Elias is due to win his 50th cap for Wales, while Kane James would make his senior international debut.

Teddy Williams and Max Llewellyn are also selected in the match day 23 and in line to make their first appearance this Nations Championship.

Tandy said: “There are three changes this week. I think it’s a great opportunity for those boys coming in. An exciting challenge.

“This weekend we’re just looking forward to building on last week’s performance.

“It’s going to be an amazing opportunity for us playing away from home, which is always exciting. I think it’s a really good test for us to see where we’re at. We know that Argentina are a really passionate and skilful team.”

On Ryan Elias’ milestone for Wales, Tandy said: “Ryan’s story is an incredible one. He’s an outstanding leader, an outstanding person more importantly but then I think he’s really added value to our group. It’s an unbelievable achievement to get 50 caps. It’s an honour that’s really deserved.”

On the uncapped Kane James, Tandy added: “Kane is an exciting player. He’s so powerful and quick. The way he’s come into the environment and just jumped straight in: he hasn’t been tentative in anything he does. He creates a big energy in how he goes about his work; he’s super diligent around everything, taking on the detail. I’m really excited to see Kane get his first cap on the weekend.”

Wales team to face Argeninta in San Juan, Saturday 11 July, KO 20.10h BST (16.10h local)
Live on ITV and S4C

15 Blair Murray (Scarlets – 17 caps)
14 Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 9 caps)
13 Eddie James (Scarlets – 10 caps)
12 Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 12 caps)
11 Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 71 caps)
10 Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 21 caps)
9 Tomos Williams (Saracens – 73 caps)
1 Rhys Carre (Saracens – 29 caps)
2 Dewi Lake (Captain, Gloucester Rugby – 32 caps)
3 Dillon Lewis (Dragons – 58 caps)
4 Ben Carter (Dragons – 20 caps)
5 Adam Beard (Montpellier – 66 caps)
6 James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 22 caps)
7 Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby – 25 caps)
8 Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers – 68 caps)

Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 49 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks – 64 caps)
18. Ben Warren (Ospreys – 1 cap)
19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
20. Kane James (Exeter Chiefs – uncapped)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 31 caps)
22. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 11 caps)
23. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 41 caps)