Wales head coach Steve Tandy is expected to make several changes for Saturday's Nations Championship clash against Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium, with Louis Rees-Zammit moving back to the wing and Blair Murray starting at fullback.
Back three reshuffle
After experimenting with Rees-Zammit at fullback during the Six Nations, Tandy is likely to shift the Bristol Bears speedster to the wing, where his pace can be better utilised. Scarlets fullback Blair Murray, a dangerous broken-field runner with excellent footwork, is expected to take the number 15 jersey. However, Murray's lack of height has previously been exploited under the high ball.
Josh Adams, rested for the Barbarians victory, is set to return on the left wing, while Rees-Zammit will patrol the right flank, potentially facing world-class Lyon wing Jiuta Wainiqolo.
Midfield continuity
Wales are expected to retain the Scarlets centre partnership of Joe Hawkins and Eddie James. Hawkins fulfils the second playmaker role while providing physicality, and James offers powerful carrying and defensive solidity. They will face a powerful Fiji midfield that could include Racing 92 star Josua Tuisova.
Dan Edwards is likely to keep the fly-half jersey ahead of Sam Costelow, who has only played one half since returning from a shoulder injury. Tomos Williams is expected to start at scrum-half after Kieran Hardy impressed against the Barbarians.
Backrow and pack
Captain Dewi Lake will lead the side from hooker, with Rhys Carré at loosehead and Dillon Lewis at tighthead. Ben Carter and Teddy Williams form the second row, with Carter calling the lineout. The backrow features Aaron Wainwright at number eight, Jac Morgan at openside, and Taine Plumtree at blindside.
Wales will be without Dafydd Jenkins due to injury, but the return of seven players from unavailability boosts the squad. The bench is expected to include Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Adam Beard, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, and Mason Grady.
