Wales switch four for second Test
Wales have made four personnel and one positional change for the second Test against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.
Cardiff Blues flanker Josh Navidi will make his international debut at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, in a side that also sees Tom Prydie, Rhys Gill and Andries Pretorius, come into the starting XV.
Robin McBryde’s side won the first test 22-18 in Osaka last weekend and will be looking for their sixth consecutive victory on Saturday. The only change in the front row sees Saracens prop Gill come into the side alongside Emyr Phillips, who will win his second cap and Blues prop Scott Andrews.
Captain Bradley Davies continues his partnership with regional teammate Lou Reed in the lock position. The new look loose trio sees James King switch to blindside, Navidi comes in at openside flank and Andries Pretorius, starts for the first time for Wales at No.8.
There is just one change behind the backline where Prydie comes onto the wing. Lloyd Williams and Dan Biggar continue at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively with Jonathan Spratt and Owen Williams again linking up in the centre.
Liam Williams and try-scorer in Osaka Harry Robinson, line-up in the back three alongside Prydie.
Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin and Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones are again named amongst the replacements. They are joined by Craig Mitchell and Dragons’ Andrew Coombs. Dan Baker who made in debut last weekend again features on the bench alongside Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Patchell and Dafydd Howells.
"We were proud of the side’s effort last weekend but know we will have to step it up again on Saturday.
"It was good to see the character of the squad come through in the first test and we will need that again," said Head Coach for the Japan tour Robin McBryde.
"The players have again all put their hands up for selection making it a tough call for us and that shows their determination to get out on the field and represent their country.
"Japan showed what they are capable of last weekend and we know we will have to be at our best to get the second victory and finish the season on a high," McBryde added.
Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Owen Williams, 12 Jonathan Spratt, 11 Tom Prydie, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Andries Pretorius, 7 Josh Navidi, 6 James King 5 Lou Reed, 4 Bradley Davies (Captain), 3 Scott Andrews, 2 Emyr Phillips, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Craig Mitchell, 19 Andrew Coombs, 20 Dan Baker, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Rhys Patchell, 23 Dafydd Howells.
Date: Saturday, 15 June
Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 14.00 (05.00 GMT)
Referee: Greg Garner (England)
Assistant referees: Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa), tba (Japan)
