Wales name 12 changes as Tom Rogers ruled out for South Africa clash

Autumn international: Wales v South Africa

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 29 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

Coverage: Listen on INLIBER Sounds, INLIBER Radio Wales, INLIBER Radio Cymru; live text on the INLIBER Sport website & app

Wales will face the world champions South Africa at the Principality Stadium with a significantly reshuffled squad after injury disrupted their plans. Tom Rogers, who became the first Welsh player to notch a hat-trick against New Zealand last weekend, misses out due to a hamstring issue, prompting a major selection rethink from coach Steve Tandy.

This autumn clash also marks a broader squad purge, with 12 changes across the matchday group (eight in the starting XV). The fixture falls outside World Rugby’s official Test window, so Tandy has had to select only from players based in Wales’ four regional teams.

Meanwhile, 13 Wales squad members have returned to clubs in England and France, but there is a boost with Dragons forward Aaron Wainwright returning to action after hip trouble kept him out of the planned XV for New Zealand.

• Why Wales are facing South Africa this Saturday

• Dee surgery adds doubt for Dragons hooker in Six Nations plans

• Wales winger Giles signs extended contract with the Ospreys

Several players will be hoping to press their case for selection: full-back Blair Murray, and backs Ellis Mee, Joe Roberts, and Rio Dyer line up in the back three, while Dan Edwards and Kieran Hardy combine in the halves. In the pack, Gareth Thomas earns a first autumn start at loosehead prop, and a fresh second row pairing of Ben Carter and Rhys Davies is named. Ospreys lock James Fender misses out due to a shoulder injury.

With Wainwright back, Alex Mann shifts to openside flanker, Taine Plumtree moves to blindside, and Cardiff loose-head Danny Southworth is named on the bench for a potential Test debut alongside fellow Cardiff teammate Callum Sheedy.

Ten players are poised for their first autumn appearance, including Mee, Roberts, Dyer, Carter and Davies in the starting XV, and Southworth, Chris Coleman, James Ratti, Reuben Morgan-Williams, and Sheedy among the substitutes.

Tandy said the aim is to reproduce the effort and attacking intent shown last weekend, coupled with improved defence that would give the supporters plenty to cheer about.

How Wales line up

Wales: Murray; Mee, Roberts, Hawkins, Dyer; Edwards, Hardy; G Thomas, D Lake (capt), Assiratti, Carter, R Davies, Plumtree, Mann, Wainwright.

Replacements: Coghlan, Southworth, Coleman, Ratti, Morse, Morgan-Williams, Sheedy, B Thomas.

Key Takeaways

• Wales rotates heavily for the autumn finale, aiming to refresh personnel ahead of a daunting South Africa test.
• Tom Rogers misses out through a hamstring injury; Aaron Wainwright returns to boost the pack.
• Several newcomers and first autumn appearances highlight a developmental push across the squad.

Expert comment

Analyst: This selection signals a balance between experience and youth, with Tandy testing depth while preserving some core leaders for depth in tight matches.

Summary

Wales face a tall order against South Africa and must rely on a reshaped starting XV to deliver the grit and pace needed. The changes are designed to build squad breadth and provide opportunities for emerging talents while hoping to stem a challenging run of fixtures.

Key insight: Wales’ autumn strategy centers on depth and opportunities for new players, while managing injuries ahead of a demanding South Africa test. Source: BBC Sport