Wales team: Louis Rees-Zammit switches position for England clash as they aim to end three-year winless Six Nations run
Wales head coach Steve Tandy and back three star Louis Rees-Zammit.
Louis Rees-Zammit will start at full-back for Wales after Steve Tandy announced his team to face England in the Six Nations this weekend.
The speedster returned to international rugby in November after spending 18 months in the NFL, starting twice on the wing against Japan and the All Blacks.
Rees-Zammit has predominantly featured in the 15 jersey for his club side Bristol Bears and has got the nod in that position for the England opener at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.
He is joined in the back three by wings Ellis Mee and Josh Adams – Tom Rogers and Blair Murray among those to miss out.
Ben Thomas and Eddie James combine at centre, with Bath youngster Louis Hennessey having to wait at least another week to earn his first cap. Dan Edwards and Tomos Williams complete the backline.
Notable return
Up front, Josh Macleod is the arguably the most notable selection as he makes his first Wales appearance since July last year.
He is alongside Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann in the loose trio as the likes of Olly Cracknell and James Botham are omitted.
Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins are the lock duo while Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake and Nicky Smith round out the XV for the Six Nations clash.
Tandy has gone for a 6-2 bench in an attempt to combat the power of the ‘Pom Squad’ with Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Tomas Francis, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree and Harri Deaves the forward cover, while Kieran Hardy and Mason Grady are the backline replacements.
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“Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture. We know they’re playing some outstanding rugby and they’re in great form. But I know how much it means to our players playing for the nation and representing Wales,” the head coach said.
“The way the squad trained this week has been great. I want to see us get out and really attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves. Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic and it’s something we can’t wait to do.”
On Macleod’s return to the side, Tandy added: “Josh has had some rough luck with injuries, but the way he’s come back, the way he leads, his attention to detail around his week plan, the way he trains, the intensity he brings to everything he does is excellent. It’s going to be awesome to see him on the weekend.”
Wales team to play England
Wales: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Josh Macleod, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Nicky Smith
Replacements: 16 Liam Belcher, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Harri Deaves, 22 Kieran Hardy, 23 Mason Grady
Date: Saturday, February 7
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 16:40 GMT
Referee: Pierre Brousset (FFR)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (RA), Morné Ferreira (SARU)
TMO: Tual Trainini (FFR)
FPRO: Brett Cronan (RA)
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