Wales drop Louis Rees-Zammit for Argentina clash as Sam Costelow starts
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has dropped Louis Rees-Zammit to the bench and named Sam Costelow at fly-half for Saturday’s Nations Championship fixture against Argentina in San Juan.
The visiting side have made three changes to their starting lineup following a hard-fought 39-24 victory over Fiji last weekend.
Bristol prospect Ellis Mee replaces the dynamic Rees-Zammit out wide, while James Botham comes into the back-row at the expense of Cardiff team-mate Alex Mann.
Ospreys playmaker Dan Edwards falls completely out of the 23-man matchday squad after struggling during the opening autumn encounter.
Costelow takes control of the backline
Costelow proved to be an assured second-half presence when replacing the misfiring Edwards against the Flying Fijians.
The Scarlets half-back will now marshal a back division heavily influenced by his domestic regional team-mates.
Centre Joe Hawkins moves onto the replacements bench to provide crucial fly-half cover.
It’s a great opportunity for those boys coming in and an exciting challenge.
Steve Tandy
Debutant James and Elias chase milestones
Exeter Chiefs forward Kane James is poised to make his senior international debut from the bench after a breakthrough domestic season.
The 21-year-old previously represented England Under-20s but qualifies for the national side having been born in Pembrokeshire and raised in Cardiff.
He’s so powerful and quick. The way he’s come into the environment and just jumped straight in shows he hasn’t been tentative in anything he does.
Steve Tandy
Meanwhile, seasoned hooker Ryan Elias is in line to win his 50th cap if introduced to relieve captain Dewi Lake.
Cardiff lock Teddy Williams and Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn complete the list of impact options for the highly anticipated weekend showdown.