Rookie Flanker Thrust Into Wales Starting Line-Up
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has declared that rookie flanker Harri Deaves will not hold back when he makes a formidable Test debut against the mighty New Zealand All Blacks this Saturday. The Ospreys forward, who was not originally part of Tandy's autumn squad, received a dramatic call-up after captain Jac Morgan dislocated his shoulder in the opening defeat by Argentina.
Now, the 24-year-old Deaves is set to start directly in the back-row, facing the ultimate challenge in world rugby for his first international cap. Tandy expressed strong confidence in his new charge, praising his immediate impact.
Tandy's Confidence in the Newcomer
'He’s got lots of skill and packs a punch. I love the way he’s come into the environment,' Tandy said of Deaves. 'He isn’t going to die wondering. He’s very aggressive and he backs himself. When he got named, he was straight into training as if he’s been here for more than a week.'
This debut forms part of five changes Tandy has made to the Wales side that narrowly beat Eddie Jones’ Japan 24-23. Deaves comes into the back-row for the injured Leicester flanker Olly Cracknell. Other changes see Joe Hawkins replacing Ben Thomas at inside centre, Tom Rogers coming in for the suspended Josh Adams on the wing, and props Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti returning to the starting lineup.
A Daunting Task Against a Changed All Blacks
Wales faces a monumental task at the Principality Stadium, despite New Zealand making a staggering 12 changes from the team comfortably beaten by England last weekend. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, under pressure after the 33-19 loss, has rested star names like Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett.
Only captain Scott Barrett, flanker Simon Parker, and Will Jordan, who moves from full-back to wing, retain their spots from the Twickenham defeat. 'We do not underestimate the passion and resolve Wales will bring and we know how organised, accurate and ruthless we need to be in return,' Robertson stated.
The scale of Wales' challenge is underscored by history; they have lost 33 consecutive internationals to New Zealand, with their last victory dating all the way back to 1953. As the final Test of the year, Tandy's Wales are considered 35/1 outsiders to cause a major upset.
TEAM NEWS
Wales: Murray; Rees-Zammit, Llewellyn, Hawkins, Rogers; Edwards, Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Assiratti, Jenkins, Beard, Mann, Deaves, Wainwright
Replacements: Coghlan, G Thomas, Griffin, F Thomas, Plumtree, Hardy, Evans, Tompkins.
New Zealand: Love; Jordan, Ioane, Lienert-Brown, Clarke; McKenzie, Ratima; Williams, Taukei'aho, Tosi, Barrett (capt), Holland, Parker, Kirifi, Sititi
Replacements: Bell, Newell, Bower, Lord, Lio-Willie, Christie, Fainga'anuku, Reece
Kick-off: 3.10pm Saturday
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TV: TNT Sports
