Welsh team to play New Zealand announced

Welsh team to play New Zealand announced

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 14.10

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.

“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.”

 

-Steve Tandy

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