Wing Louis Rees-Zammit drops to the bench and Sam Costelow starts at 10 as Wales make three changes to face Argentina on Saturday.
New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit has dropped to the bench for the Nations Championship match against Argentina on Saturday with Sam Costelow starting at fly-half.
Ellis Mee replaces Rees-Zammit, while Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards is not included in the 23-man squad after starting the 39-24 victory against Fiji. The decision to bench Rees-Zammit, who has been a key player for Wales, reflects a strategic shift by head coach Steve Tandy as he looks to optimize his team's performance against a formidable Argentine side.
Tandy has made three changes to the lineup, with flanker James Botham stepping in for his Cardiff team-mate Alex Mann. Botham's inclusion is indicative of Tandy's desire to inject fresh energy into the squad as they face off against Argentina, a team known for its physicality and tactical acumen.
"It's a great opportunity for those boys coming in and an exciting challenge," said Tandy, highlighting the importance of depth and competition within the squad. The ability to rotate players is crucial in maintaining performance levels throughout a demanding international calendar.
Exeter back-row forward Kane James is set to make his Test debut after being named as a replacement. The 21-year-old has had a breakthrough season with Exeter, contributing significantly to their success in the Premiership. Meanwhile, Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias is on the cusp of his 50th cap, which would mark a significant milestone in his career if he comes off the bench.
Cardiff lock Teddy Williams and Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn have also been named on the bench, adding further depth to the squad. The inclusion of these players demonstrates Tandy's commitment to developing young talent while also rewarding players who have shown consistent form in domestic competitions.
Rees-Zammit, who returned to the wing after starting all Six Nations matches at full-back, swaps roles with Mee, with Wales hoping the Bristol back can have a major impact as a replacement. This tactical adjustment underscores Tandy's willingness to adapt his game plan based on the strengths and weaknesses of both his players and the opposition.
After starting Tandy's first seven games in charge, fly-half Edwards was dropped for the Six Nations match against Scotland in Cardiff in February. His exclusion from the squad against Argentina marks a significant shift in the coaching staff's approach. Costelow had previously impressed before suffering an injury, which allowed Edwards to return for the final two matches against Ireland and Italy. He responded with an impressive 16-point performance against the Azzurri as Wales ended a three-year Six Nations losing streak. However, Edwards endured a difficult afternoon against Fiji last Saturday, while Costelow proved an assured second-half presence as a replacement, showcasing his potential to lead the backline.
With Edwards dropping out of the squad, centre Joe Hawkins will provide fly-half cover, further emphasizing the need for versatility within the team. The Scarlets provide five of the seven Wales backs selected, with Mee and Costelow joined by centre pair Hawkins and Eddie James along with full-back Blair Murray. This concentration of players from the Scarlets reflects the club's strong development program and its ability to produce top-tier talent.
James, who played for England Under-20s but was born in Pembrokeshire and raised in Cardiff, could win his first cap after a breakthrough season with Premiership runners-up Exeter. His selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it also highlights the increasing trend of players switching allegiances in international .
At just 21 years old, James has already made a name for himself in the Premiership, and his potential debut is a significant moment not only for him but also for Welsh , which aims to cultivate young talent and build for the future. Tandy's comments about James reflect a coach's confidence in his player's abilities: "Kane is an exciting player. He's so powerful and quick. The way he's come into the environment and just jumped straight in shows 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. So I'm excited to see Kane get his first cap on the weekend."
Elias, 31, has fought his way back into the Wales reckoning, and reaching his 50th cap would be a reward for his resilience and fine form during the past 12 months. Tandy praised Elias, stating, "Ryan's story is an incredible one. He's an outstanding leader and person and he's really added value to our group. It's an unbelievable achievement to get 50 caps and an honour that's deserved." This sentiment underscores the importance of experience and leadership in a squad that is undergoing a transitional phase.
Wales have won successive test matches for the first time since the 2023 World Cup but know Argentina, who will be smarting from a 47-38 home defeat against Scotland, will offer a different proposition. The Argentine team is known for its physicality and tactical discipline, and they will be eager to bounce back from their recent loss. Argentina inflicted a record 52-28 defeat on Wales in Tandy's first game in charge in November 2025, a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
"This weekend we're just looking forward to building on last week's performance," said Tandy. "It's going to be an amazing opportunity for us playing away from home, which is always exciting. It's a good test for us to see where we're at. We know that Argentina are a passionate and skilful team." This acknowledgment of the challenges posed by Argentina reflects Tandy's realistic approach as he prepares his team for a tough encounter.
Argentina: TBC
Replacements: TBC
Wales: Murray; Mee, James, Hawkins, Adams; Costelow, Tomos Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Lewis, Carter, Beard, Botham, Morgan, Wainwright.
Replacements: Elias, N Smith, Warren, Teddy Williams, James, Hardy, Llewellyn, Rees-Zammit.
This lineup reflects Tandy's strategic decisions aimed at maximizing the team's potential against a challenging opponent. With a mix of experience and youth, Wales will be looking to build momentum and confidence as they navigate the complexities of international .
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