Wales head coach Steve Tandy has recalled prop Rhys Carre to the starting lineup for Sunday’s clash with Argentina, while Louis Rees-Zammit returns to international duty from the bench.
Carre back in action
Carre, who plays for Saracens, will start for Wales for the first time since 2023. The 27-year-old was previously ineligible under the Welsh Rugby Union’s 25-cap rule for players based outside Wales but has now been cleared to return. Tandy confirmed his selection was based purely on form, not policy. “I just want to see this squad go out there and express themselves,” he said.
Carre will start in the front row alongside hooker Dewi Lake and prop Keiron Assiratti. Locks Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins return, while Jac Morgan captains the side after helping the British and Irish Lions win their recent series in Australia.
Rees-Zammit’s rugby return
After two years away from Test rugby, Rees-Zammit is back in the matchday squad. The 24-year-old had brief spells with NFL sides Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to rugby with Bristol earlier this year. He recovered from a toe injury to be named among the replacements.
The starting back three will feature Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, and Josh Adams. Gloucester’s Max Llewellyn reunites in midfield with Ben Thomas, while fly-half Edwards partners Tomos Williams at scrum-half.
Fresh faces and experience mix
Uncapped number eight Olly Cracknell, a late addition to the squad, is also on the bench. Wales have made seven changes from the team that beat Japan in July, ending their record 18-match losing run.
Sunday’s clash at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium marks the first of four November Tests, with Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa to follow.
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