Rees-Zammit to Start at Fullback as Wales Announce Six Nations Team to Face England
Wales has unveiled its squad to face England in the opening match of the Six Nations this weekend, with a notable selection seeing Louis Rees-Zammit start at fullback. The decision, announced by Steve Tandy, marks a shift for the versatile player who recently returned to international rugby after an 18-month stint in the NFL, having previously featured on the wing against Japan and the All Blacks in November.
Rees-Zammit has primarily occupied the 15 jersey for his club, Bristol Bears, and will now bring that experience to the international stage at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday. he will be joined in the back three by wing Josh Adams and center Ellis Mee.
The midfield partnership will see eddie James and Ben Thomas take the field, while Dan Edwards will orchestrate the attack from fly-half, partnering with scrum-half Tomos williams.The loose trio sees a return for Josh Macleod, making his first appearance for Wales as July of last year.He will be joined in the loose trio by Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann, with Olly Cracknell and James Botham omitted from the selection. The second row will be anchored by Adam Beard and dafydd Jenkins,supported by a front row consisting of Archie Griffin,Dewi Lake (captain),and Nicky Smith.
Tandy has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, strategically aiming to counter the anticipated power of the England forwards, frequently enough referred to as the ‘Pom Squad’. The forward replacements include Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Tomas Francis, Ben carter, Taine Plumtree, and Harri Deaves, while Kieran hardy and Mason Grady will provide backline cover.
England’s team selection saw Steve Borthwick bench Maro Itoje, opting for Tommy Freeman at centre.
“Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture. We know they’re playing some outstanding rugby and they’re in great form. but I know how much it means to our players playing for the nation and representing Wales,” Tandy stated. “The way the squad trained this week has been great. I want to see us get out and really attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves. Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic and it’s something we can’t wait to do.”
Commenting on Macleod’s return,Tandy added,”Josh has had some rough luck with injuries,but the way he’s come back,the way he leads,his attention to detail around his week plan,the way he trains,the intensity he brings to everything he does is excellent. It’s going to be awesome to see him on the weekend.”
Wales Team to Play England:
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 (c), 1 Nicky smith
Replacements: 16 Liam Belcher, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Harri Deaves, 22 Kieran Hardy, 23 Mason Grady
Match Details:
Date: Saturday, February 7
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 16:40 GMT
Referee: Pierre Brousset (FFR)
assistant referees: Nic Berry (RA), Morné Ferreira (SARU)
TMO: Tual Trainini (FFR)
FPRO: Brett Cronan (RA)
the highly anticipated clash promises a compelling start to the Six Nations, with Wales aiming to make a statement against a formidable England side.
