Wales Rugby: Mann and Macleod Lead Charge Against Japan in Summer Tour

Wales Flankers Return to Face Japan

Wales flankers Josh Macleod and Alex Mann have been recalled to face Japan in Kitakyushu on Saturday. Interim head coach Matt Sherratt has made 11 changes to the starting side that lost 68-14 to England in March, with only Dewi Lake, Nicky Smith, Blair Murray, and Taulupe Faletau surviving from that match.

Key Changes and Debuts

Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher could make his debut as a replacement if he comes on for Lake, who captains the side. Belcher is one of six forwards named on the bench alongside Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell. Sherratt emphasized the importance of a 23-man effort, spreading experience across the team.

Back Row Balance

Macleod and Mann will pack down alongside number eight Taulupe Faletau, with the flanker pair preferred to Wainwright and Reffell. Macleod, who has overcome a series of long-term injuries, is set to win his third cap, more than two and a half years since his previous international against Australia in November 2022.

Backline Returns

Ospreys scrum-half Kieran Hardy is rewarded for his fine form with a first Test start since August 2023. Hardy will partner Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow, who missed the Six Nations due to a fractured collarbone. The new-look midfield includes Ben Thomas and Johnny Williams, who will play his first international since the World Cup win against Portugal in September 2023.

Japan’s Veteran Leadership

Japan’s Michael Leitch, 36, will captain the team and is the only member with more than 50 caps. Head coach Eddie Jones has named eight uncapped internationals in his match-day 23, including prop Yota Kamimori and wing Kippei Ishida.