Wales team to play Argentina confirmed: Louis Rees-Zammit misses out on Starting XV

Friday, 07 November 2025 at 09:01

byHarry Tovey

Steve Tandy will be aiming to win first competitive Test match as head coach after he named his Wales team to play Argentina on Sunday afternoon (KO: 15:10).

Louis Rees-Zammit has missed out on a place in Wales’ new head coach Steve Tandy's first starting XV as time ran out to prove his fitness ahead of Los Pumas meeting.

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It’s understood that the winger still had boxes to tick after training away from the squad at last Wednesday’s open training session.

As the week progressed at the Vale Resort, the 24-year-old had to prove his fitness after sustaining a foot injury playing for the Gallagher Prem side Bristol Bears last month.

Scroll down for the Wales team to play Argentina.

Speaking after naming his first side as Wales head coach, Tandy said: "It’s a real privilege to announce my first match day 23 for Wales.

"I just want to see that 23 really go out there and express themselves on Sunday and enjoy every moment of representing the country in such a unique and special jersey.”

Scroll down for Wales’ full starting XV against Argentina:

Back Three Remains The Same Since Summer Tour

Scarlets’ Tom Rogers remains in the 14 jersey despite talks of Rees-Zammit wearing the shirt on Sunday, but will instead be utilised off the bench.

Alongside Rogers are Josh Adams and Blair Murray, the same back three that put aside Japan in Kobe to end an 18-match losing run.

Reunion in The Centres

Cardiff Rugby’s Ben Thomas has been wearing his favourable 12-shirt since Warren Gatland left the international head coach role back in February.

The 26-year-old is also joined by Max Llewellyn, who forms the same pairing that played against Ireland, Scotland, and England in the Six Nations.

Tandy Goes with Edwards at 10

There’s been a lot of talk in the build-up to the encounter about who Tandy will select in the conductor position of his starting XV.

Ospreys’ Dan Edwards will wear the 10 jersey again after touring the Far East, with Tomos Williams returning after being selected for the British and Irish Lions tour.

Interesting Move in the Front Three

Rhys Carre is set to make his first Wales appearance in almost three years, with his last outing for the national side being in the 2023 Six Nations. This was before former head coach Gatland exiled him due to fitness concerns.

His last appearance was against England, but his last start for Wales came against Fiji the previous year.

The loosehead is joined by Ospreys’ Dewi Lake and Cardiff Rugby’s Kieron Assiratti, who starts again for the first time following Wales’ defeat in Kitakyushu.

Welcome Returns in the Second Row

Both Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard make their returns to the international stage after missing the summer tour.

Bold Call at Blindside

Following Taulupe Faletau’s absence from the Autumn Internationals due to injury, Dragons’ Aaron Wainwright will wear the eight shirt.

Whilst Cardiff Rugby’s Alex Mann remains at blindside after Wales’ stunning win in Kobe, Jac Morgan returns to captain the side after standout outings Down Under for the Lions.

Wales team to play Argentina:

1. Rhys Carre (Saracens, 20 caps)

2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys, 22 caps)

3. Kieron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby, 15 caps)

4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs, 23 caps)

5. Adam Beard (Montpellier, 58 caps)

6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby, 7 caps)

7. Jac Morgan (C, Ospreys, 23 caps)

8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 59 caps)

9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 64 caps)

10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys, 16 caps)

11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, 63 caps)