Wales team to play Fiji: Louis Rees-Zammit Misses Out

This will be a ‘home’ fixture for Fiji, with the Flying Fijians playing all of July’s Nations Championship matches in the UK. The last time they were in the Welsh capital, they put aside Wales at Principality Stadium.

Steve Tandy will be boosted by several key members of his squad plying their trade outside Wales, who will be available as this contest takes place in the designated international window.

Without those players, Wales got their summer off to a winning start with a 33-31 victory against the Barbarians at a blistering Allianz Stadium.

But those who competed in Twickenham raised their arguments about being selected ahead of this opening match.

This match is a must-win for Wales, with tricky trips to both Argentina and South Africa to follow.

It’s a big summer ahead for Murray, and after Saturday’s second-half performance against the Barbarians, he showed his worth in the 15 jersey and was Wales' best carrier when it came to metres gained (109).

With Wales’ attack coach, Matt Sherratt, providing details around the fitness of Louis Rees-Zammit ahead of the match, it does feel like Murray will get the nod at fullback.

If fit, then Rees-Zammit will start here against Fiji. But with the understanding that Rees-Zammit will miss the Test against Fiji after training by himself on Tuesday, following Steve Tandy's announcement of the team behind closed doors, Mee has been afforded a lifeline.

He had an under-par performance against the Baa-Baas and, at times, was poor defensively. However, when in possession and space, Mee is one of Wales’ best wingers. The 22-year-old just needs to show it more consistently. Saturday might be his only chance this summer.

Against the Barbarians, it wasn’t the standout performance that we have got used to James having in the Welsh jersey. There’s a lot of competition around the 13 jersey, and with his big stature and carrying ability, he’s going to be incredibly beneficial this weekend.

Tandy will just hope that last Saturday was an off day for James, as in recent Test matches he’s looked the real deal for Wales’ long-term solution at outside centre.

With the shock departure of Bryn Bradley from the Wales set-up this summer, there’s seemingly a considerable amount of pressure off Hawkins.

But, along with James, the progression they both showed in the Six Nations needs to continue throughout the summer.

The second playmaker offers another attacking option for Wales, and against the Barbarians, he delivered timely kicks behind the line that put the invitational side under considerable pressure.

You do feel like Adams’ time within the Welsh team is nearing its conclusion, but following last weekend’s performances from Tom Rogers and Mason Grady, he does seem to be the best option for this clash against Fiji.

It’s a huge summer for the 31-year-old, as he hasn’t reached the international heights that warranted his position on the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

These three Tests are huge for the winger, as he is vowing to play in next year’s World Cup.

The 23-year-old had one of his better performances in a Wales jersey last weekend. He scored twice, and with Sam Costelow's return as well, he handled the pressure extremely well.

Edwards is a very effective orchestrator in attack, but still needs to improve his defensive game, an area that Fiji will undoubtedly target.

Now, this may be a bold statement, but Williams’ Six Nations was severely underwhelming for someone highly relied upon in this Wales team. He made several questionable decisions; with that, he remains Wales’ number one.

But for how long? Kieran Hardy had his best game for Wales last weekend and is heating up the competition for that nine jersey very well. Williams should start against Fiji, but if it’s another unimpressive performance, then Hardy has to start the rest of the summer.

Now eligible to play for Wales, after last weekend’s match falling outside the international Test window. Smith is Wales’ best option at loose-head.

Understandably, some may see Rhys Carré as that. Wales is afforded the luxury of having so much depth in this position. I still think Carré is best suited as an impact player rather than a starter, and with that, Smith’s scrummaging game gets him the start.

Lake last weekend in the sweltering heat of south-west London, played his best game for Wales. With many seeing his announcement as Wales’ captain as a shock this summer, he proved his worth in both defence and attack.

The Gloucester-bound player is now a marquee player for Tandy, and you wouldn’t have thought that performance came after not playing since Wales faced Italy in the Six Nations.

After last weekend’s 40-minute performance, Lewis has left many question marks around his selection following his Wales return.

He didn’t have the best of performances, but still remains Wales’ best option at tight-head. However, you do feel that Ben Warren has made his case for the starting jersey, and if he weren’t uncapped, you could make the argument for the 26-year-old to start.

Like Lake, Carter is one of the first names on Tandy’s team sheet this summer. With Dafydd Jenkins out for the summer, the 25-year-old will take over as Wales’ key figure in the second row and when it comes to the calls at line-out time.

He had a remarkable Six Nations campaign, and the unpretentious player needs to be at his firing best if Wales are to succeed against Fiji.

Seven days on from competing in the Top 14 final, Beard should make his first international Test start since facing France in the Six Nations.

With the rise of Carter being so impressive, Beard has fallen out of favour with the starting jersey, but the powerful second row will take his opportunity this summer with Jenkins unavailable.

What a turnaround it’s been for the 26-year-old. Following his Six Nations campaign, many questioned his selection.

But after last weekend’s surprising performance against the Barbarians, where he definitely took his opportunity to shine, he’s become undroppable.

He offers a great deal in defence, with his work around the breakdown being strong and in attack, he gets his side over the gain line. He should be selected and may prove that last weekend was not a fluke.

The competition in the back row will undoubtedly be causing the Wales selection committee a great deal of trouble, but that’s a positive. With that said, Morgan’s selection shouldn’t come as any surprise.

He played his first Welsh game since November, and it felt like he hadn’t been away from that seven jersey. He was brilliant in defence, topping the tackle charts with 24, and was also strong around the breakdown.

Wainwright is Wales’ best player without argument at the moment. The powerful number eight will be making his return to the familiar surroundings of the Cardiff City Stadium, where he played for the Bluebirds from under 9 to 16.

His footwork is one of his key characteristics, but he’s also one of the best ball-carrying players at Tandy’s disposal and is effective when he breaks through tackles.

Against Fiji, Wales will utilise the 28-year-old to get them over the gain line, but also for the rest of the summer, he has to be firing for his side to get any sort of success.