Steve Tandy has named his Wales team to face Argentina in San Juan this Saturday, making three changes to the starting XV that beat Fiji last week. Sam Costelow starts at fly-half, replacing Dan Edwards, while Ellis Mee is promoted to the starting side on the wing, with Louis Rees-Zammit dropping to the bench. In the pack, James Botham starts in the back-row, with Alex Mann not involved for the first time under Tandy after 10 straight Test starts.
Costelow Gets the Nod at Fly-Half
Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow wears the 10 jersey, taking over from Dan Edwards, who has started all but one of Tandy's 10 Tests in charge. Edwards does not feature in the matchday 23. Costelow previously started against Scotland in this year's Six Nations. Tandy said: "There are three changes this week. I think it's a great opportunity for those boys coming in. An exciting challenge."
Kane James Set for Debut
Exeter Chiefs back-row Kane James is in line for his Test debut off the bench. The 21-year-old, who previously played for England U20s, was called up by Wales for the first time this summer after a breakthrough season with Exeter. Tandy added: "Kane is an exciting player. He's so powerful and quick. The way he's come into the environment and just jumped straight in: he hasn't been tentative in anything he does."
Ryan Elias in Line for 50th Cap
Hooker Ryan Elias is in line for his 50th cap from the bench. Tandy praised him: "Ryan's story is an incredible one. He's an outstanding leader, an outstanding person. It's an unbelievable achievement to get 50 caps." Max Llewellyn and Teddy Williams are also in line for their first Test appearances since last year.
Wales Aim to Build on Fiji Win
Following last week's 52-point win over Fiji, Wales are closing in on a return to the world top 10 for the first time since 2024. However, their fixtures get tougher, with Argentina having put 52 points on Wales in Tandy's first match in charge last November, and South Africa winning 73-0 in Cardiff that same month. Wales face South Africa later in the Nations Championship.
Wales Team to Face Argentina
Starting XV: Blair Murray; Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (c), Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Adam Beard, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Teddy Williams, Kane James, Kieran Hardy, Max Llewellyn, Louis Rees-Zammit.
