Wales springs surprise at fullback
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: One of Wales’ most electrifying backs has been given a positional change for their Six Nations opener.
Louis Rees-Zammit has been moved to fullback from the wing for his Six Nations return against England at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Rees-Zammit has not played in the tournament for three years, announcing his decision to leave Rugby Union for an 18-month spell in the NFL on the eve of the 2024 competition.
The 25-year-old Bristol flyer made his Wales comeback in November, but this will be only the fourth time in 36 Test appearances he will have started at fullback.
“I love it. It allows me to get more touches on the ball in open field, it suits my game,” Rees-Zammit said about playing fullback in an interview with the BBC.
“I much prefer it. I’ve played 15 in the past for Wales, but I think now I’m kind of seen as a No.15 that can play on the wing.”
Wales go into Saturday’s match as huge outsiders given they have lost 21 of their last 23 Tests, whereas England are on an 11-game winning streak.
Wales: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Josh Macleod, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (captain), 1 Nicky Smith
Replacements: 16 Liam Belcher, 17Rhys Carre, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Harri Deaves, 22 Kieran Hardy, 23 Mason Grady
Date: Saturday, February 7
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 16.40 (16.40 GMT)
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
TMO: Tual Trainini (France)