Dewi Lake Returns as Wales Faces South Africa in Nations Championship

New Delhi, India Jul 16, 2026 ALN: Wales have named captain Dewi Lake in their side for the Nations Championship match against South Africa in Durban on Saturday.

The selection of Dewi Lake is notable as he hobbled off in last weekend's defeat by Argentina, leading to questions about his fitness for the crucial match against the Springboks. However, head coach Steve Tandy has decided to include him in the lineup, indicating confidence in Lake's recovery. Lake, who is 27 years old, has emerged as a key figure in the Welsh team, being the only player to start every Test under Tandy's tenure. His leadership and performance on the field have been praised, with Tandy stating, "He's a tough man and been brilliant in the way he's led the team. His performances have been excellent as well and he is at the forefront of everything we do. We're pleased with how he's come through for it."

This match against South Africa is significant not only because of the stature of the opponent but also due to the changes in the Welsh squad. Following their 35-21 loss to Argentina, Wales has made six alterations to their starting lineup. Among the new faces are wing Louis Rees-Zammit, centres Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn, fly-half Dan Edwards, lock Teddy Williams, and flanker Alex Mann. These changes reflect Tandy's strategy to inject fresh energy into the team after the disappointing result against Argentina.

In a move that highlights the depth of the squad, centre Joe Hawkins and flanker James Botham have been relegated to the replacements bench. Notably, the bench includes six forwards, a tactical choice that could indicate a focus on physicality in the match against South Africa. Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell is also included in the tournament for the first time, showcasing the coaching staff's willingness to provide opportunities to emerging players.

Injuries have also played a role in shaping the team. Dragons captain Ben Carter sustained an ankle injury during training, while Taine Plumtree is nursing a knock. As a result, Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas has been named on the bench after being flown out to South Africa just days prior as injury cover. This situation illustrates the challenges teams face in international , where injuries can significantly alter plans and necessitate rapid adjustments.

Wales had initially flown out Dragons hooker Elliot Dee as a precautionary measure for Lake. However, Lake's successful completion of two training sessions has allowed him to reclaim his starting position, which is a testament to his resilience and determination to lead his team.

The match against South Africa is set to be a formidable challenge for Wales. The Springboks, who are the reigning world champions, have a reputation for their physical and aggressive style of play. Tandy acknowledged the challenge, stating, "South Africa are world champions and have loads of depth. For us, it's about putting our game out there. We want to see a real physical edge. We're going up against probably the most physical team in the world. It's a great opportunity to test ourselves against the best team in the world."

Wales comes into this match with a mixed record under Tandy’s leadership, having won three and lost eight of their 11 internationals so far in his first season in charge. The team has experienced a victory and defeat in the Nations Championship thus far, adding pressure to perform against a formidable opponent. The last encounter between Wales and South Africa ended in a heavy defeat for Wales, with the Springboks triumphing 73-0 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in November 2025. This historical context adds to the significance of the upcoming match, as Wales seeks to improve their standing against a team that has dominated them in recent years.

The composition of the Wales squad reflects a blend of experience and youth, with several players being given the opportunity to make their mark on the international stage. The new centre combination of Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn is a particularly interesting development, as both players bring different strengths to the midfield. Tandy expressed optimism about this pairing, stating, "It's a bit of freshness in the centres. The combination of Joe [Hawkins] and Eddie [James] has been excellent for us, but we feel Max and Ben deserve an opportunity. Max did well for us in the autumn but unfortunately got injured, and Ben has responded well since being left out from the England game."

In the back row, Alex Mann returns to the blind-side flanker role alongside Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright, creating a dynamic and potentially impactful trio. Mann's previous performance against Fiji was commendable, and his return is expected to bolster the team's overall performance. Additionally, Ospreys scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams has come in for Kieran Hardy on the bench, adding further depth to the squad.

Another noteworthy inclusion is lock Teddy Williams, who is set to make his first Test start in a year after recovering from a serious leg injury sustained at the beginning of the season. Tandy has highlighted Williams' hard work and dedication in overcoming his injury, stating, "It's brilliant for Teddy, how hard he's worked after a horrific injury and the way he has come back. He had a real impact when he came off the bench last weekend, so it's pleasing and well-deserved."

The absence of established players like Ben Carter and Dafydd Jenkins, who is also missing from the squad due to a shoulder operation, presents a challenge for Wales. Carter had been a key player in the Six Nations, and his loss, along with Jenkins, stretches the second-row resources thin. Tandy's comments regarding Freddie Thomas's inclusion reflect the urgency of the situation, as he noted, "It's a baptism of fire for Freddie. He was unlucky not to be in the original squad. He's come in, trained well and it's a great opportunity for him on the weekend."

As Wales prepares for this high-stakes encounter, the focus will undoubtedly be on executing their game plan effectively while also adapting to the physical demands of playing against a world-class team like South Africa. The match presents an opportunity for the Welsh team to not only test their skills against a top-tier opponent but also to build momentum as they look to improve their performance in the Nations Championship and beyond. The implications of this match extend beyond just the immediate outcome; it is a chance for the players to solidify their positions within the squad and for Tandy to assess the team's depth and resilience in the face of adversity.