Wales team v Argentina: Louis Rees-Zammit benched as Steve Tandy makes three changes
Sam Costelow starts at fly-half for Wales against Argentina.
Wales boss Steve Tandy has made three changes to his starting XV that will face Argentina in the Nations Championship at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario.
James Botham is named at blindside flanker with Jac Morgan at openside. Aaron Wainwright, who made his Wales debut eight years ago in San Juan, continues at eight.
Sam Costelow is selected at fly-half with Tomos Williams at scrum-half while Ellis Mee starts on the wing alongside Josh Adams, with Blair Murray again donning No.15.
Milestone and first cap awaits
Among the replacements, there are two milestones for Wales on Saturday: Ryan Elias is due to win his 50th cap for Wales, while Kane James is set to make his Test debut.
Teddy Williams and Max Llewellyn are also selected in the matchday squad named by coach Tandy and in line to make their first appearance this Nations Championship.
“There are three changes this week. I think it’s a great opportunity for those boys coming in. An exciting challenge,” Tandy said as his charges look to back up the Fiji win.
“This weekend we’re just looking forward to building on last week’s performance.
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“It’s going to be an amazing opportunity for us playing away from home, which is always exciting. I think it’s a really good test for us to see where we’re at.
“We know that Argentina are a really passionate and skilful team.”
On Elias’ milestone for Wales, Tandy said: “Ryan’s story is an incredible one. He’s an outstanding leader, an outstanding person more importantly, but then I think he’s really added value to our group.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement to get 50 caps. It’s an honour that’s really deserved.”
On the uncapped James, the head coach added: “Kane is an exciting player. He’s so powerful and quick.
“The way he’s come into the environment and just jumped straight in: he hasn’t been tentative in anything he does. He creates a big energy in how he goes about his work; he’s super diligent around everything, taking on the detail.
“I’m really excited to see Kane get his first cap on the weekend.”
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Wales team to face Argentina
Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 James Botham, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Rhys Carre
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Ben Warren, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Kane James, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Max Llewellyn, 23 Louis Rees-Zammit
Date: Saturday, 11 July, 2026
Venue: Estadio San Juan de Bicentenario, San Juan
Kick-off: 16:10 (local), 20:10 (UK), 21:10 (France), 21:10 (South Africa), 15:10 (EDT), 5:10 (12 July, AEST), 16:10 (JST), 4:10 (July 12, JST)
Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (RA), Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)
FPRO: Brett Cronan (RA)
Broadcasters: ITV/S4C (United Kingdom), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), Wowow (Japan), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Nine Network/Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa)