Pivac changes one for second round with Boks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Wayne Pivac has named the Wales team to play South Africa in the second Test in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
There is one change to the starting line-up that narrowly lost (29-32) in Pretoria last weekend.
Alex Cuthbert comes in on the wing for his 52nd cap.
George North, starting again at centre alongside Nick Tompkins, will equal Stephen Jones’ record as the most-capped Welsh international back of all time – with 104 Tests.
Only Alun Wyn Jones (151) – named as a replacement for the second Test this weekend – and defence coach Gethin Jenkins (129) have more Wales caps.
Sam Wainwright could be in line to make his senior international debut from the bench.
Wyn Jones and Josh Adams are the other changes among Wales’ replacements for the second of three Tests against the Springboks.
“Alex Cuthbert has been training really well,” Pivac said.
“He’s six foot four [193], good in the air and runs all day.
“I think there will be plenty of aerial battles.
“Sam Wainwright has been very excited to join us.
“From day one he’s been training really well.
“I know he’s over the moon at his selection in the matchday 23 and his family are over here so he’s looking forward to a big day.
“It was a great atmosphere last week and we’re expecting more of the same from the crowd in Bloemfontein this Saturday.”
Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 George North, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Alex Cuthbert, 10 Dan Biggar (captain), 9 Kieran Hardy, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Gareth Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Dewi Lake, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Sam Wainwright, 19 Alun Wyn Jones, 20 Josh Navidi, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Gareth Anscombe, 23 Josh Adams.
Date: Saturday, July 9
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 17.00 (16.00 UK time; 15.00 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
