Wales team to play South Africa Confirmed: Key Star Out as Lake Selected

The 46-year-old has made six changes to the starting XV from his sides round two Nations Championship 35-21 defeat to Argentina last weekend.

One major talking point from the team announcement is that hooker Dewi Lake will captain the side, despite leaving the contest in San Juan last weekend in discomfort in the second-half. 

Ben Carter who has been one of Tandy’s key individuals throughout his tenure as head coach hasn’t been named in the starting XV. 

Cardiff’s Teddy Williams after coming off the bench in western Argentina will make his first start in the Nations Championship and joins Adam Beard in the second row. 

After missing the clash against Los Pumas, Alex Mann is named at blindside flanker, with Jac Morgan at openside flanker and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8.

Dan Edwards returns to the starting XV as he replaces Sam Costelow at outside half with Tomos Williams named scrum half.

Ben Thomas is named at inside centre, making his first start since facing England in Twickenham back in February. Gloucester’s Max Llewellyn partners Thomas in midfield, with Eddie James absent from the match day 23. 

Louis Rees-Zammit returns to the side after being dropped to the bench last weekend. The 25-year-old joins Josh Adams and Blair Murray in the back three. 

Speaking after selecting his team, Tandy said: We’ve made some changes to the starting XV. 

“It’s coming to the end of the season, and we’ve had a big bit of travel. 

“Some boys deserve an opportunity and it’s a chance to freshen up the team.” 

Wales finished 2025 with a brutal 73-0 loss to South Africa at the Principality Stadium in November.

Tandy’s side have lost eight of his 11 matches in charge, and have started their Nations championship campaign with a win and a defeat. 

“South Africa are world champions,” Tandy continued. 

“They have loads of depth. For us, it’s about putting our game out there. We want to see a real physical edge. 

“We are going up against probably the most physical team in the world. So we know we’re going to have to really step up the physicality. 

“It’s a great opportunity to test ourselves against the best team in the world.” 

15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 18 caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 42 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 12 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 18 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 72 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 12 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Saracens – 74 caps)
1. Rhys Carre (Saracens – 30 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Captain, Gloucester Rugby – 33 caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (Dragons – 59 caps)
4. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 67 caps)
6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby  – 26 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers – 69 caps)

16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 50 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks – 65 caps)
18. Ben Warren (Ospreys – 2 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 8 caps)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 29 caps)
21. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 23 caps)
22. Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys – 2 caps)
23. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 12 caps)