Wales head coach, Steve Tandy, has named his side to face Japan this Saturday (15 November, KO 5.40pm) at the Principality Stadium — with five Cardiff Rugby players included in the matchday 23.
Alex Mann retains his place in the starting line-up, moving to openside flanker after impressing in last weekend’s victory. Tandy praised the young forward’s versatility and work rate:
“Alex Mann goes to seven. 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.”
Josh Adams and Ben Thomas keep their place at 11 and 12 respectively, as Wales look to return to the form that saw them beat Japan in the Summer.
Among the replacements, two more Blue and Blacks are named — Liam Belcher and Keiron Assiratti — providing front-row cover for the clash in the Welsh capital.
The 23-man squad sees 5 former Cardiff academy players selected in Louis Rees-Zammit, Max Llewelyn, Tomos Williams, Rhys Carre and Jarrod Evans.
The match marks another strong showing of Cardiff Rugby representation on the international stage, as the club’s young talent and experienced front-rowers continue to play key roles in Wales’ Quilter Nations Series campaign.
Wales team v Japan – Quilter Nations Series
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 11 caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 33 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 9 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 64 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 4 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 65 caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 57 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 23 caps) captain
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 9 caps)
4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 24 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 59 caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 60 caps)
7. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
8. Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers – 1 cap)
Replacements
16. Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby – 3 caps)
17. Rhys Carré (Saracens – 21 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 5 caps)
20. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 8 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 26 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 12 caps)
23. Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 41 caps)