Zammit dropped as Wales make changes for clash against Argentina
Dewi Williams/agencies
Head coach Steve Tandy has opted to drop Louis Rees-Zammit from the starting line-up as Wales make three changes for Wales’ second Nations Championship game against Argentina on Saturday.
Sam Costelow, Ellis Mee and James Botham come into the starting fifteen to face the Pumas in San Juan, as Tandy makes some big changes to the side that beat Fiji 39-24 last weekend.
Costelow will start at fly-half ahead of Dan Edwards who doesn’t feature at all in the match-day 23 after a relatively poor performance in the opening round, successful off the kicking tee on only two out of five occasions.
Inside centre Joe Hawkins will provide fly-half cover whilst Gloucester’s Max Llewellyn is brought onto the bench, featuring for the first time since the autumn last year.
Ellis Mee has been given the nod over Louis Rees-Zammit who drops on to the bench, whilst James Botham starts in the number 6 jersey over Alex Mann who has also been dropped from the squad.
Scarlets’ front row Ryan Elias is poised to win his 50th cap for Wales off the bench and Exeter back-rower Kane James is hoping to make his senior debut after being included among the replacements.
Captain Dewi Lake resumes at hooker and Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright make up the back row along with Botham.
‘Building’
Steve Tandy said: “There are three changes this week. I think it’s a great opportunity for those boys coming in. An exciting challenge. This weekend we’re just looking forward to building on last week’s performance.
“It’s going to be an amazing opportunity for us playing away from home, which is always exciting. I think it’s a really good test for us to see where we’re at. We know that Argentina are a really passionate and skilful team.”
Wales: B Murray, E Mee, E James, J Hawkins (all Scarlets), J Adams (Cardiff), S Costelow (Scarlets), T Williams, R Carre (both Saracens), D Lake (Gloucester), D Lewis, B Carter (both Dragons), A Beard (Montpellier), J Botham (Cardiff), J Morgan (Gloucester), A Wainwright (Leicester).
Replacements: R Elias (Scarlets), N Smith (Sale), B Warren (Ospreys), T Williams (Cardiff), K James (Exeter), K Hardy (Ospreys), M Llewellyn (Gloucester), L Rees-Zammit (Bristol).
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Why change a winning side?
This game is a step up in opposition.Edwards and Mann weren’t great and Costelow did well when he came on. I think Tandy is doing a great job and impressed how he got team playing better. Not enough to threaten the big boys, but at least we are not being hammered by 50 points every game.
Why drop Louis Rees-Zammit… Dan Edwards too… ? Wales need these guys… Argentina will be licking lips …
LRZ didn’t get enough ball to perform and be judged. Instead of dropping him Tandy should tell the other players to pass him the ball and use him. Too much hogging the ball whilst attempting to break through by barging into opposing players instead of passing the ball. On the other hand you could compare LRZ to Josh Adams who is always seeking the ball and using every opportunity that comes his way.
LRZ didn’t have his best game. He was caught out a few times defensively and didn’t do much in attack. I think switching things up a bit is a good decision and will give Louis extra incentive to make improvements when he comes on. He’s still a quality player and will come good I’m sure.
When Rees-Zammit played on the wing against Fiji, he was largely anonymous, although to be fair the conditions were hot and you also need the ball to perform. I still think he’s not firing on all cylinders though, and he needs to tighten up his defence. Perhaps being on the bench will be a good thing.
When Rees-Zammit played on the wing against Fiji, he was largely anonymous, although to be fair the conditions were hot and you also need the ball. I still think he’s not firing on all cylinders though, and he needs to tighten up his defence. Perhaps being on the bench will be a good thing.