Without their captain and best player, Jac Morgan, Steve Tandy has elected for a rejigged back row for Wales’ match with Japan.

Morgan was excellent in defeat to Argentina last weekend, but injured his shoulder as he scored Wales’ third try of the game. It was later confirmed that he would need surgery and miss the rest of the autumn internationals.

Add to the injury to Taulupe Faletau before the series, and Wales are a little short in an area of historic strength.

For the important match against Japan, Steve Tandy’s plans have been ripped up and the head coach has named a rejigged back row of Aaron Wainwright, Alex Mann and Olly Cracknell to face the Brave Blossoms on Saturday.

“I don’t think you can replace Jac Morgan for a minute,” admitted Tandy.

“Jac is an unbelievable player and if anyone loses big players it’s hard to replace them. That’s when you look at what you have got.

“You’re not going to replace him like-for-like, but ultimately we’ve got to find a way to balance that off.”

All-action Ospreys forward Morgan plays in arguably the most perilous position on the field, putting himself at risk with explosive carries and jackals, so Wales must be prepared.

“You don’t plan on losing your captain but it’s a brutal and physical sport. We have to be adaptable,” said Tandy.

Against the smaller Japanese pack, Wales have picked two of their best carriers in Wainwright and Cracknell, in an attempt to flip the script after being out muscled by the Argentinian forwards last week.

The pair will be tasked with dovetailing against a Japan side who like to play at high speed.

“That’s the challenge of international coaching from club coaching,” said attack coach Matt Sherratt.

“It’s ultimately not really about how I want to play, my job is to get the best out of the players we have got.

“It’s not one-size fits all. Let’s not bemoan what we haven’t got in Wales, how can we maximise the ability we have got?”

As for the seven shirt that Morgan has vacated, Alex Mann shifts from blindside to openside this week, having started the United Rugby Championship (URC) impressively for Cardiff after starting both summer Tests in Japan in that former role.

“He’s got flexibility in how he plays,” said Tandy.

“He has athletic ability, ball-playing skills but also his energy levels with how he gets off the line in defence.

“Manny gets people to the floor, he’s a jackal threat and has line-out ability. He is an all-round player who can play across the back row.”

Mann has worn six on his back six times in international rugby and is yet to start at openside.

“It’s just a number, whatever the coaches ask of me I make sure I give 100% so it doesn’t matter to me,” said Mann.

Wales might not replace Morgan but the starting trio – plus replacements Freddie Thomas and Taine Plumtree – aim to soften the blow.

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