Wales head coach Steve Tandy has explained his decision to change starting fly-half for Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Argentina, as Dan Edwards drops out of the matchday squad entirely. Scarlets playmaker Sam Costelow will start in San Juan, having impressed off the bench against Fiji last weekend. Costelow previously started only once under Tandy, against Scotland in the Six Nations, where he limped off after 56 minutes despite an impressive performance.
Tandy backs Costelow after strong cameo
Edwards, who started nine of 10 Tests under Tandy, is not injured but omitted as the coach wants to give Costelow an opportunity. “It has been brilliant competition between them both,” Tandy said. “Costy had his opportunity against Scotland and I thought he was outstanding. I’m really enjoying how he and Dan are competing in training. Dan has been great for us. Part of this is seeing an opportunity for Sam. He thoroughly deserves it.”
Tandy added that the change does not alter their attacking approach significantly. “They're slightly different in what they do. Costy just deserves an opportunity.” With Edwards out, centre Joe Hawkins will cover fly-half from the bench, having played there for the Scarlets this season. Max Llewellyn, absent from Wales since last year's Six Nations, also returns to the bench.
Ospreys secure £771,000 grant for St Helen's 5G
The Ospreys have announced a major step in redeveloping St Helen's stadium, securing a £771,000 grant from the Digital Infrastructure Programme’s 5G Innovation Fund. The funding will bring Vodafone's 5G network to the venue, making it “one of the most technologically advanced in the UK,” according to the club. The Ospreys will return to Swansea from October after playing at the Brewery Field in Bridgend for the past year.
Commercial director Richard Lancaster said: “This redevelopment is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about creating an experience that matches the passion of our supporters. With next-generation connectivity, fans will be closer to the action than ever before.” VodafoneThree’s Gareth Hopkins added: “This project demonstrates how advanced connectivity can help transform the future of live sport. By deploying Vodafone’s 5G Mobile Private Network technology, the stadium will benefit from secure, high-performance connectivity.”
The initiative is part of the Swansea Bay City Deal, chaired by Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to making Swansea a leader in both technology and sport,” he said. “St Helen’s will become a hub for innovation, community engagement and economic growth.”
England name team for Fiji clash
England head coach Steve Borthwick has made two changes for Saturday's match against Fiji at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Henry Slade and Guy Pepper starting. Slade replaces the injured Cadan Murley at outside centre, moving Tommy Freeman to the right wing. Pepper starts at openside in place of Tom Curry, who drops to the bench. Three players are poised for Test debuts among the replacements: Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori, and George Kloska.
Borthwick, under pressure after a five-Test losing run, fielded his strongest available backline. “We’ve had a really positive week of preparation,” he said. “We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. It’s fantastic to be playing at Hill Dickinson Stadium.” England lost 45-21 to South Africa last weekend, making Saturday's clash a must-win.
Scotland urged to rise to Springbok challenge
Gregor Townsend has challenged his Scotland players to deliver a performance that gives them a chance of glory in Pretoria, where they face world champions South Africa for the first time in 12 years. “None of the 23 have played a test match against the Springboks out here,” Townsend said. “It’s obviously a game that will stand out in most of the players’ careers.” He recalled Finn Russell, Zander Fagerson, and Gregor Brown to the starting XV.
“You know what’s happening when you play the Boks,” Townsend added. “They’re going to be really physical. There’s going to be times in the game where they get the upper hand. I would hope that there’ll be times when we cause them problems.” He described the atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld as unique, with smells of braais and constant music. “It’ll be hostile in a way, but more noisy. It is one of those superb, unique occasions.”
