The summer tour is nearly upon us. Traditionally, summer tours for rugby have been used as an opportunity to experiment, trial new players and combinations.

This summer things could be slightly different when Wales face South Africa in Twickenham and on their tour to Australia.

Wales were forced into several changes during the Six Nations with six players making their international debuts during the campaign.

Cardiff Rugby quartet Cameron Winnett, Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, and Evan Lloyd all made their first appearances in a Wales shirt, whilst there were also caps for Bath’s Archie Griffin and Scarlets’ Harri O’Connor.

However, with the return from injury of the likes of Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake, Taine Plumtree, and Christ Tshiunza along with the possible inclusion of some of Wales’ experienced overseas players may mean some of the above miss out.

Liam Williams and Cory Hill, who both play in Japan, have been touted for a return, whilst France-based Tomas Francis could be one to appear in the tighthead berth.

Tighthead is one position where there is a fair bit of uncertainty at the moment in Welsh rugby.

Due to injury, five players played in that position during the Six Nations with Cardiff’s Keiron Assiratti starting three games, Leon Brown starting the opener and Harlequins’ Dillon Lewis getting the final game against Italy.

There were also opportunities for Griffin and O’Connor off the bench against England and Italy respectively.

On this week’s Sportin Wales podcast former Wales prop Chris Horsman backed Griffin to be selected for this summer’s tour but there could yet be two separate debutants this summer.

At Ospreys, both Rhys Henry and South African-born Tom Botha have had good seasons in the scrum as a cornerstone of an Ospreys pack which dominated Stormers in South Africa.

Neither are perhaps known for their work rate around the park although Henry in particular does have some good passing skills, but both could set a solid foundation for the Welsh pack.

They aren’t the only Ospreys players in this list.

Both Reuben Morgan-Williams at scrumhalf and Morgan Morris at eight in particular have had good seasons, with Morris winning player of the match in three of Ospreys’ last four wins.

Morris does indeed have his limitations, at 6 foot he isn’t the tallest of eights, and therefore not as capable a lineout option as an Aaron Wainwright, but with the possibility of moving the Dragons man to six or selecting Plumtree or Tshiunza in the back row this could alleviate the pressure on Morris to be a jumping option.

Morgan-Williams meanwhile has blossomed as first choice this season. Helped by a more dominant pack in comparison to Scarlets pair Kieran Hardy and Gareth Davies but his kicking has improved, whilst he has also been a running threat, as demonstrated against Dragons.

Another who may get a chance is James Fender, who shone earlier this season before picking up a shoulder injury in January which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

This tour may come too soon following his return from injury, however Wales don’t have an abundance of choices to face South Africa with Adam Beard and Teddy Williams both injured whilst Dafydd Jenkins and Will Rowlands may be unavailable due to the game falling outside of the international window.

Warren Gatland may opt for the previous international experience of Seb Davies or Dragons’ Ben Carter, but Fender is certainly one to look out for the future.

Wing is another spot where there will be the opportunity to trial a debutant.

After Louis Rees-Zammit’s move to NFL and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso choosing England, Wales are somewhat light on options in this position.

With Mason Grady needed in the centres following George North’s retirement and Joe Roberts’ injury, who provides cover for Josh Adams and Rio Dyer?

Keelan Giles has enjoyed a good season for Ospreys and despite being part of Wales squads in the past, is yet to make his debut at 26, coming closest when left an unused substitute in Wales’ 33-30 win over Japan.

He faces stiff competition from both Scarlets’ Tomi Lewis and Cardiff’s Theo Cabango.

Lewis is physically the largest of the three and has been in strong attacking form for Scarlets ever since he broke into the starting XV after his performance off the bench against Edinburgh in January.

Another who may get an opportunity is Cabango, who has missed a lot of rugby this season and last with serious injuries but is capable of eye-catching scores including against Scarlets and a double, or ghost treble, against Ulster.

Others who could make their debut include Gloucester’s Josh Hathaway who has played for both Wales and England’s U20s teams whilst Dragons pairing of centre Joe Westwood and fly-half Will Reed could be in line for a first call up to the national side.