Get ready for a seismic shift in the Welsh lineup as Louis Rees-Zammit, fresh off an NFL stint, takes over the full-back position against England in this weekend’s Six Nations opener. The rapid wing, who has been shining in the 15 jersey for Bristol Bears, will spearhead Wales' attack from the back in a bid to snap a three-year winless streak in the tournament. The clash, set at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, promises fireworks with both teams bringing their A-game.
Rees-Zammit will be joined by Ellis Mee and Josh Adams on the wings, leaving Tom Rogers and Blair Murray sidelined. The center pairing will see Ben Thomas and Eddie James, while the promising Bath prodigy, Louis Hennessey, must wait for his debut. The backline is rounded off with Dan Edwards and Tomos Williams at the helm.
Up front, the return of Josh Macleod is particularly noteworthy as he dons the Welsh jersey for the first time since last July. He'll line up alongside Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann, forming a robust loose trio. The engine room features Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins, with Archie Griffin, captain Dewi Lake, and Nicky Smith completing the starting pack.
"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,"
Coach Steve Tandy expressed his anticipation for the match and emphasized the squad's preparation, "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."
"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,"
The bench features a 6-2 split favoring the forwards, with Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Tomas Francis, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, and Harri Deaves ready to add firepower, complemented by Kieran Hardy and Mason Grady as backline substitutes.
As the whistle nears, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. Will Rees-Zammit's new role be the catalyst Wales needs to overcome their English rivals? Saturday will tell.
Wales team to play England: Louis Rees-Zammit, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams, Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright, Josh Macleod, Alex Mann, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (c), Nicky Smith. Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Tomas Francis, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, Harri Deaves, Kieran Hardy, Mason Grady. Venue: Allianz
2,193 posts
Get ready for a seismic shift in the Welsh lineup as Louis Rees-Zammit, fresh off an NFL stint, takes over the full-back position against England in this weekend’s Six Nations opener. The rapid wing, who has been shining in the 15 jersey for Bristol Bears, will spearhead Wales' attack from the back in a bid to snap a three-year winless streak in the tournament. The clash, set at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, promises fireworks with both teams bringing their A-game.
Rees-Zammit will be joined by Ellis Mee and Josh Adams on the wings, leaving Tom Rogers and Blair Murray sidelined. The center pairing will see Ben Thomas and Eddie James, while the promising Bath prodigy, Louis Hennessey, must wait for his debut. The backline is rounded off with Dan Edwards and Tomos Williams at the helm.
Up front, the return of Josh Macleod is particularly noteworthy as he dons the Welsh jersey for the first time since last July. He'll line up alongside Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann, forming a robust loose trio. The engine room features Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins, with Archie Griffin, captain Dewi Lake, and Nicky Smith completing the starting pack.
"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,"
Coach Steve Tandy expressed his anticipation for the match and emphasized the squad's preparation, "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."
"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,"
The bench features a 6-2 split favoring the forwards, with Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Tomas Francis, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, and Harri Deaves ready to add firepower, complemented by Kieran Hardy and Mason Grady as backline substitutes.
As the whistle nears, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. Will Rees-Zammit's new role be the catalyst Wales needs to overcome their English rivals? Saturday will tell.
Wales team to play England:
Louis Rees-Zammit, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams, Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright, Josh Macleod, Alex Mann, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (c), Nicky Smith.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Tomas Francis, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, Harri Deaves, Kieran Hardy, Mason Grady.
Venue: Allianz