New Faces for Wales as Historic Challenge Awaits
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has handed a debut to flanker Harri Deaves for this Saturday's highly anticipated clash against New Zealand at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The match, scheduled for Saturday 22 November with a 3.10pm GMT kick-off, sees Wales attempting to secure their first victory over the All Blacks in over seventy years, with the last triumph dating back to 1953.
Deaves, who plays for the Ospreys, receives his call-up following an injury to captain Jac Morgan. This selection prompts a reshuffle in the back row, with Alex Mann moving to the blindside flank to accommodate Deaves on the openside.
Returning Stars and All Blacks Reaction
The Welsh team shows further changes as they look to build on a narrow win over Japan. Joe Hawkins is brought into the centres, marking his first appearance for Wales since the 2023 Six Nations. On the wing, Tom Rogers returns, replacing the suspended Josh Adams, who received a red card in the previous fixture.
Adding to the fresh feel of the squad, replacement hooker Brodie Coghlan is also in line to earn his first cap from the bench. Tandy expressed his excitement about Deaves' inclusion, praising the flanker's speed and aggression and highlighting his outstanding performances for the Ospreys.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have reacted decisively to their defeat against England last weekend. Experienced figures Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea are among those dropping out of the starting XV. Barrett appears to be managing a quad injury, making way for Damian McKenzie at fly-half. The All Blacks also reunite their experienced centre pairing of Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane.
The Teams in Full
Wales Starting XV: Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (capt.), Keiron Assiratti; Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard; Alex Mann, Harri Deaves, Aaron Wainwright; Tomos Williams, Dan Edwards; Tom Rogers, Joe Hawkins, Max Llewellyn, Louis Rees-Zammit; Blair Murray.
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Taine Plumtree; Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Nick Tompkins.
New Zealand Starting XV: Tamaiti Williams, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Pasilio Tosi; Scott Barrett (capt.), Fabian Holland; Simon Parker, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi; Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie; Caleb Clarke, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan; Ruben Love.
Replacements: George Bell, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Josh Lord, Christian Lio-Willie; Finlay Christie, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Sevu Reece.
