Jarrod Evans handed start for second Argentina game
Wales' Jarrod Evans misses a penalty kick during the Summer Series match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Picture date: Saturday July 10, 2021.
Wales have made seven changes for their July international decider against Argentina at Principality Stadium on Saturday, with Jarrod Evans selected ahead of Callum Sheedy.
Despite impressing in the Six Nations, Sheedy struggled to find his rhythm last weekend, with Evans coming on to help inspire a comeback from 14 points behind.
He joins fellow Cardiff player Tomos Williams at half-back in one of four changes in the backs.
Tom Rogers returns to win his second cap, joining Hallam Amos and Owen Lane in an exciting back three, while Nick Tompkins comes in to partner captain Jonathan Davies in midfield.
Three alterations up front
In the pack, Gareth Thomas is handed his first start with Leon Brown also coming in alongside Elliot Dee. The second-row remains unchanged for a third consecutive week while Josh Turnbull replaces the injured Aaron Wainwright with Ross Moriarty moving to number eight.
“We were all frustrated after drawing last weekend and felt we left a number of opportunities out on the pitch,” said Pivac.
“Argentina brought what we expected, they were big, physical and direct and exerted pressure with their kicking game. For some of this group, it was the first time they have faced that level of physicality and intensity and this week we will need to be much more accurate and disciplined.
“It is another exciting opportunity to face a quality outfit and we can still win the series, which would be a great way to finish our season.
“We have freshened the squad up a bit, giving others an opportunity to impress and they are eager to make a big impression.”
Sam Parry and Rhodri Jones are both handed their first opportunities of the summer, among the replacements, while Matthew Screech is in line to win his first cap.
Wales: 15 Hallam Amos, 14 Owen Lane, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Jonathan Davies (c), 11 Tom Rogers, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 James Botham, 6 Josh Turnbull, 5 Will Rowlands, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Leon Brown, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Matthew Screech, 20 Taine Basham, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Uilisi Halaholo
Date: Saturday, July 17
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England), Karl Dickson (England)
TMO: Tom Foley (England)
Wales and Ireland in action and what's ahead
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