Sam Costelow, Ellis Mee and James Botham have been included in Wales’ starting line-up for Saturday’s Nations Championship match against Argentina in San Juan.
Head coach Steve Tandy has made three changes following his side’s 39-24 win against Fiji last weekend in the inaugural tournament’s opening round of fixtures.
Costelow will start in place of Ospreys’ Dan Edwards at fly-half and his Scarlets team-mate Mee has been chosen ahead of Bristol’s Louis Rees-Zammit on the right wing.
Cardiff flanker Botham has been given the nod over Alex Mann at blindside, with Jac Morgan at openside and Aaron Wainwright completing the back row.
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.”
Scarlets’ front row Ryan Elias is poised to win his 50th cap for Wales off the bench – captain Dewi Lake resumes at hooker – and Exeter back-rower Kane James is hoping to make his senior debut after being included among the replacements.
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) July 9, 2026
Wales team to play Argentina in Nations Championship
Forwards: 1 Rhys Carre (Saracens), 2 Dewi Lake (CAPTAIN, Gloucester Rugby), 3 Dillon Lewis (Dragons), 4 Ben Carter (Dragons), 5 Adam Beard (Montpellier), 6 James Botham (Cardiff Rugby), 7 Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), 8 Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers)
Backs: 9 Tomos Williams (Saracens), 10 Sam Costelow (Scarlets), 11 Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby), 12 Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), 13 Eddie James (Scarlets), 14 Ellis Mee (Scarlets), 15 Blair Murray (Scarlets)
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias (Scarlets), 17 Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks), 18 Ben Warren (Ospreys), 19 Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby), 20 Kane James (Exeter Chiefs), 21 Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), 22 Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby), 23 Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears)