Steve Tandy will name his Wales team to face Japan tomorrow, with players set to be informed of their selection today. Much of the starting XV is likely to have been settled for some time, but several last-minute calls remain.
Back-row balance
Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright look certain to start in the back row, but the third loose forward is up for debate. Alex Mann, Taine Plumtree and James Botham are the contenders for the number six jersey, with each offering something different.
The Wales coaches are big admirers of Mann, a tireless worker who made a Six Nations record 31 tackles against Ireland in March. Botham produced an outstanding performance in Cardiff's defeat to the Sharks last week, while Plumtree could come into consideration given Japan's reputation for playing at a high tempo. Another possibility would be to move Wainwright to number six, allowing Taine Basham or Kane James to come in at number eight.
Costelow or Edwards
Dan Edwards started nine of Wales' 11 Test matches in the 2025/26 season and currently holds the number 10 jersey. However, Sam Costelow's injury-hit campaign limited opportunities to assess the two playmakers against each other.
Costelow produced arguably the finest performance by a Wales fly-half last season in the narrow defeat to Scotland, but a lack of consistency at international level has held him back. There is little to separate the two, and this looks a genuine 50-50 call.
The centre partnership
Eddie James looks certain to start in midfield, with Joe Hawkins the leading contender for the number 12 jersey. Max Llewellyn and Aneurin Owen are also in the frame, and the 26-year-old Owen could offer a steady presence that allows James to flourish at outside centre.
Who plays full-back?
Blair Murray is likely to be the favourite after starting throughout the summer, though his height can be a disadvantage under the high ball. Tom Rogers, who impressed in the Ospreys' victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade last month, is the alternative option.
