Wales Rugby Union: Discover the Regions, Teams, and Championship History

Wales Team Changes for Autumn Nations Series Against South Africa

Wales has made five changes to the starting lineup ahead of the match against South Africa.

1. Rio Dyer will play on the wing. This marks his first appearance in this Autumn Nations Series.
2. Blair Murray moves to full back.
3. Tom Rogers rounds out the back three.
4. Sam Costelow will start at fly half for the first time this November.
5. Christ Tshiunza joins Will Rowlands in the second row due to Adam Beard’s injury.

Back Row Changes:

• Taine Plumtree starts at No. 8.
• James Botham takes the blindside flanker position.
• Jac Morgan will play as the open-side flanker.

Replacements:
Two changes are noted among the replacements.

• Freddie Thomas joins the bench and may earn his first cap for Wales.
• Josh Hathaway joins Rhodri Williams and Eddie James as back line cover.

Comments from Coach Warren Gatland:
Gatland expressed disappointment about last week’s match against Australia. He emphasized the need to improve accuracy and acknowledged South Africa’s quality. He stressed the importance of courage in facing the World Champions.

Wales Starting Team:

• 15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 2 caps)
• 14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 5 caps)
• 13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 4 caps)
• 12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
• 11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – 22 caps)
• 10. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 17 caps)
• 9. Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
• 1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 35 caps)
• 2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 17 caps) – Captain
• 3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 5 caps)
• 4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 35 caps)
• 5. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs – 14 caps)
• 6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
• 7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 17 caps)
• 8. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 6 caps)

Replacements:

• 16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 43 caps)
• 17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 48 caps)
• 18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
• 19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – uncapped)
• 20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 22 caps)
• 21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 4 caps)
• 22. Eddie James (Scarlets – 2 caps)
• 23. Josh Hathaway (Gloucester Rugby – 1 cap)