The Wales team to play England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, has been announced as speedster Louis Rees-Zammit is selected at fullback for Steve Tandy’s side.
Come Saturday afternoon, Rees-Zammit will take to the field in south-west London for the first time as an international, as Wales aim to put an end to Steve Borthwick’s side’s 11 Test match unbeaten run.
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The British and Irish Lions star, who has played in three previous Six Nations and a World Cup, has never played for Wales in the English capital. “I love it”, said Rees-Zammit on Sarra Elgan’s Six Nations about playing 15.
“It allows me to get more touches on the ball in open field, it suits my game. I much prefer it. I’ve played 15 in the past for Wales (against France in 2023), but I think now I’m kind of seen as a 15 that can play on the wing.
“When I’ve got the ball there, I have to make a decision and back myself.”
He starts at fullback, as he replaces Blair Murray, who started in the jersey for Wales’ last 10 internationals.
He’s been playing for Gallagher Prem side Bristol Bears on a consistent basis at 15, and for Saturday’s match, he’ll be joined by Josh Adams and Ellis Mee in the back three.
Elsewhere, Ospreys’ Dewi Lake will captain the side as Tandy heads into his first championship as Wales head coach.
The 46-year-old added: “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.
“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.”
On Josh Macleod being named at openside flanker Tandy added: “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.”
Wales team to play England:
15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 35 caps)
14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 4 caps)
13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 4 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 65 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 7 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 67 caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers– 58 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 26 caps)- Captain
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 11 caps)
4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 26 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 61 caps)
6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 11 caps)
7. Josh Macleod (Scarlets – 4 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 62 caps)
Replacements:
16. Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby – 4 caps)
17. Rhys Carre (Saracens– 23 caps)
18. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 77 caps)
19. Ben Carter (Dragons– 14 caps)
20. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 11 caps)
21. Harri Deaves (Ospreys – 1 cap)
22. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 28 caps)
23. Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
