Flanker Harri Deaves will make his debut for Wales against the All Blacks in Cardiff on Saturday, as head coach Steve Tandy freshens up his side after a narrow win over Japan. Deaves, called up after captain Jac Morgan's injury, starts at openside with Alex Mann moving to No 6.
Joe Hawkins returns to the centres for the first time since the 2023 Six Nations, while Tom Rogers comes in on the wing to replace the suspended Josh Adams. Replacement hooker Brodie Coghlan is also set to earn his first cap off the bench as Wales seek a first win over New Zealand since 1953.
“Harri Deaves making his debut is an amazing story,” Tandy said. “His performances for the Ospreys have been outstanding. He’s a smaller player but adds physicality, speed and aggression. It’s an amazing opportunity for him.”
New Zealand have made several changes after their defeat to England last weekend, with Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea among those dropping out. Damian McKenzie replaces Barrett at fly-half, while Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane are reunited in the centres. Fabian Holland returns from illness to partner captain Scott Barrett in the second row.
Wales XV: Carre, Lake (capt.), Assiratti; Jenkins, Beard; Mann, Deaves, Wainwright; Williams, Edwards; Rogers, Hawkins, Llewellyn, Rees-Zammit; Murray. Replacements: Coghlan, G Thomas, Griffin, F Thomas, Plumtree; Hardy, Evans, Tompkins.
New Zealand XV: T Williams, Taukei'aho, Tosi; Barrett (capt.), Holland; Parker, Kirifi, Sititi; Ratima, McKenzie; Clarke, Lienert-Brown, Ioane, Jordan; Love. Replacements: Bell, Newell, Bower, Lord, Lio-Willie; Christie, Fainga'anuku, Reece.
