(Reuters) – Louis Rees-Zammit will make his first international start at fullback for Wales against Argentina on Saturday, with Alex Cuthbert back from injury to take his place on the wing in the autumn international fixture in Cardiff.
Wales are smarting from a 55-23 mauling at the hands of New Zealand this past weekend, and now face an Argentina side buoyant from their shock win over England at Twickenham.
Rees-Zammit replaces Gareth Anscombe in the number 15 jersey after the latter moved to his more regular flyhalf position, with Wales facing something of an injury crisis in their back three due to the absence of Leigh Halfpenny and Josh Adams.
“Last week we had Leigh Halfpenny unavailable at the last minute and we’d trained a certain way so we went with Gareth Anscombe at fullback, who’s done that before at this level,” Wales coach Wayne Pivac said in a media release from Welsh Rugby.
“We’re back to Gareth at 10 and we have Louis Rees-Zammit at fullback. He’s trained there the entire week and looked good, and it’s something we’ve explored in the background, so it will be good information going forward with the Six Nations around the corner and the Rugby World Cup.”
Rio Dyer, who scored a try on debut against the All Blacks, retains his place as the second winger, with George North and Nick Tompkins the centre-pairing, and Tomos Williams retaining his position at scrumhalf.
Captain Justin Tipuric swaps to the opposite side of the back row to allow Dan Lydiate to start at blindside flank, with Taulupe Faletau staying at number eight.
Adam Beard and Will Rowlands are the lock pairing, while hooker Ken Owens has props Dillon Lewis and Gareth Thomas either side of him.
“Dillon had done well in South Africa (in July). This is probably the last opportunity to give guys starts and learn as much as we can. Both Dillon and Dan Lydiate have trained well,” Pivac said.
Wales team:
15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 George North, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Sam Wainwright, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Jac Morgan, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Owen Watkin.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Toby Davis)
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