Lake set to face South Africa after injury scare

Wales captain Dewi Lake is set to lead his side against South Africa in the Nations Championship after overcoming an injury concern. The Dragons hooker, who had been flown out as cover for Lake, Elliot Dee, is no longer needed as Lake has completed two training sessions without issue. Lake remains the only Wales player to have started every Test under head coach Tandy.

The lineup features notable changes from previous matches. Following the 39-24 win over Fiji, Louis Rees-Zammit and Evan Edwards were dropped from the starting side against Argentina for Scarlets duo Ellis Mee and Sam Costelow. However, Mee and Costelow have been omitted from the squad for the South Africa match, paving the way for Rees-Zammit and Edwards to return to the starting XV.

A new centre partnership will debut in Durban, with Cardiff's Thomas partnering Llewellyn in the midfield. Eddie James is not included in the squad, while Hawkins drops to the replacements bench, where he can cover fly-half and the backline. Ospreys scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams replaces teammate Kieran Hardy among the replacements.

James Mann, who missed the Argentina game, returns to the blind-side flanker role, joining Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright. Tommy Reffell is set for his first international appearance in a year and his first selection under Tandy, after being left out of the previous two campaigns.

Head coach Tandy explained the changes: "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." Cardiff lock Williams, who partners Adam Beard, makes his first Test start in a year.

Wales will be without Carter due to injury, and face the Springboks without the lock pairing that finished the Six Nations. Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins missed the summer tour due to a shoulder operation. Carter's absence further stretches second-row resources. Flanker Plumtree covered the second row against Fiji, and Thomas was called up as cover, now finding himself in the 23-man squad.

Wales conclude their season against a team that defeated Tandy's side 73-0 at the Principality Stadium in November 2025. Under Tandy, Wales have won three and lost eight of 11 internationals so far, with one win and one loss in the Nations Championship. "South Africa are world champions and have loads of depth," said Tandy. "For us, it's about putting our game out there. We want to see a real physical edge. It's a great opportunity to test ourselves against the best team in the world."

The match will be refereed by Andrew Brace (IRFU) in Durban.