Senior men’s head coach Matt Sherratt has named the Wales team to play Japan in the second and final Test at Noevir Stadium, Kobe on Saturday 12 July (kick-off 06.50am UK, live on S4C, Clic & iPlayer) - and names Dragons RFC duo Aaron Wainwright and Chris Coleman in his match day 23.
There are four changes to the starting XV from last weekend. Dan Edwards is named at fly-half to win his third cap and make his first start for Wales.
Freddie Thomas comes in at lock, following Ben Carter’s injury, and partners Teddy Williams in the second row.
Archie Griffin starts at tighthead prop, with captain Dewi Lake at hooker and loosehead prop Nicky Smith completing the front row.
In the back row Aaron Wainwright starts at No. 8, alongside Alex Mann at blindside flanker and Josh Macleod at openside flanker.
There is again a six-two split among the Wales replacements. Tighthead prop Christian Coleman, scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams and wing Keelan Giles could each make their Wales senior international debut with an appearance from the bench.
Hooker Liam Belcher, who won his first cap last weekend, provides cover at hooker and Gareth Thomas is the cover at loosehead prop.
James Ratti, Taine Plumtree and Tommy Reffell provide the remaining forward cover.
Sherratt said: “I want to have a little bit of a freshen up. So, Dan Edwards comes in at ten. Dan’s trained brilliantly over the three weeks. He was great in the Six Nations so we want to have a look at him.
“Unfortunately, Ben Carter has gone home so Freddie Thomas comes in. Keiron Assiratti has not been able to train as much as we’d like this week. So, it was more sensible to start Archie [Griffin] and that gives Chris Coleman a chance to make his debut off the bench.
“Toby had a little bit heat stress related cramping [following the game]. We decided it was best Aaron Wainwright starts at No 8.
“We’ve made a couple of other changes on the bench as well, so delighted for Keelan and Reuben. They thoroughly deserve a chance.”
Looking ahead to Saturday Sherratt added: “I think our biggest challenge this week is going to be repeating some of the good and then in that last 20 minutes it’s making our lineout launch more effective so we can get our game on the field. Perhaps being a little bit braver with the ball as well.
“I think atmospherically it’s going to be a great experience for the players and obviously there’s no getting away from the heat.
“The roof’s closed. From experience of the roof being closed in Principality Stadium, the ball can be a little bit greasy.
“It’s going to be hot, maybe a little bit wet, but there’ll be there’ll be some atmosphere because the fans over here love their rugby.”
Wales team v Japan – 2nd Test
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 9 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 10 caps)
13. Johnny Williams (Scarlets – 8 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 13 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 62 caps) – vice captain
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 2 caps)
9. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 24 caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 55 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 21 caps) – captain
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 7 caps)
4. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 3 caps)
5. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 7 caps)
6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
7. Josh Macleod (Scarlets – 3 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 58 caps)
Replacements
16. Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby – 1 cap)
17. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 41 caps)
18. Christian Coleman (Dragons – uncapped)
19. James Ratti (Ospreys – 2 caps)
20. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 7 caps)
21. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 28 caps)
22. Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys – uncapped)
23. Keelan Giles (Ospreys – uncapped)
