With Wales’ squad for the summer internationals now confirmed, let’s pick a probable XV and discuss some of the other candidates for their clash at Twickenham against South Africa!

15. Cam Winnett

Even with the return of Liam Williams, Winnett deserves to keep his place after such an impressive debut Six Nations campaign. Cardiff Rugby’s player of the season for many, the fullback has been one of the most consistent performers in regional rugby this season.

14. Rio Dyer

Another who may well pick up his club’s player of the season award, Dyer has taken on an increased leadership role in both the Dragons and Wales squads since his first World Cup campaign. With the rest of the wing contingent in the squad inexperienced in terms of age and caps, Dyer will have the added responsibility of guiding his peers on and off the pitch.

13. Mason Grady

Having appeared mostly on the wing this season, including scoring a brace on Judgement Day from that position, it may come as a mild surprise to see Grady given the 13 jersey here. However, with a lack of options at Gatland’s disposal, Grady will most likely field the 22-year-old at outside centre against the Springboks.

12. Owen Watkin

Ospreys’ Mr Reliable this season gets the inside centre berth in this team with Nick Tompkins unavailable due to the fixture falling outside the international window. That is not to diminish Watkin’s efforts this season, which have been stellar. In an excellent Ospreys side, Watkin has shown some real consistency in his performances, something Gatland will no doubt have taken notice of.

The other option is Ben Thomas, but Gatland’s comments at the squad announcement speaks to the fact that the Wales hierarchy see the Cardiff back as more of a fly-half option than a centre, despite him playing the majority of his club minutes as 12 this season.

11. Keelan Giles

With Josh Hathaway unavailable for the same reasons as Tompkins, it is likely that Gatland will have Giles and Liam Williams to choose from on the left wing. While Williams has played there before, he has not done so for a while at international level, and the chance to see Giles pace on the international level is an enticing prospect.

10. Sam Costelow

With only one out-and-out fly-half in the squad, this choice is all but made already. Gatland said that Thomas and utility back Jacob Beetham will be looked at in the fly-half position this summer, but for the first game of the summer, we expect current incumbent Sam Costelow to get the nod.

9. Gareth Davies

With Tomos Williams injured, Kieran Hardy not displaying the form required to consistently start at international level, and Ellis Bevan as yet uncapped, the scrum half position is another that fills itself. Gareth Davies has continued to be his trademark scoring threat this season, dotting down for seven tries in a disappointing Scarlets campaign.

1. Gareth Thomas

Wales’ undisputed loosehead prop will need to be at his scrummaging best against the massive South African front row. While Corey Domachowski is an able deputy, noone in this Wales squad boosts Thomas’ ability to be a cornerstone of a scrum in a way Wales will desperately need.

2. Dewi Lake

The returning Lake gives Wales some much-needed carrying might, as well as being a markedly improved set-piece hooker. Sam Parry’s ability at scrum time may be tempting but he has had very little recent international experience and Elliott Dee will not doubt be in contention. This test is too early for Evan Lloyd who showed on Judgement Day that his a player of some talent.

3. Keiron Assiratti

With Wales’ best scrummaging tightheads – Henry Thomas and Tomas Francis – unavailable, Assiratti is the obvious choice. While clearly talented, the prospect of one of Harri O’Connor and Archie Griffin lining up against Steven Kitshoff and Ox Nche is not a particularly promising one.

4. Ben Carter

The Dragons lock has had a consistent season, often battling hard in a losing side. His endless appetite for work will be required against South Africa. Expect him to be among the top tacklers, carriers, and ruck hitters in this clash.

5. Cory Hill

With so many unavailable for this South Africa clash, the controversial recall of Cory Hill was trailed ever since Adam Beard picked up an injury against Bulls in Pretoria. While most will not be impressed with Hill’s return, he does offer international experience, albeit not recently.

6. Taine Plumtree

Against the size of the Bok pack, Wales need some ballast, something that Plumtree offers and some. The Scarlets back row has been excellent since his return from injury and slots in ahead of the other options for Gatland, one of which is moving Wainwright to blindside and inserting Mackenzie Martin at number eight.

7. Jac Morgan (c)

The return of maybe the most talented player in Wales right now will be a massive boost, even if he is replacing a more than capable deputy in Tommy Reffell. ‘Captain Jac’ will have to be managed over the course of the summer but his all-court game will be greatly needed against the Springboks. Reffell and Morgan will likely trade the no.7 and no.20 shirt throughout these four summer fixtures.

8. Aaron Wainwright

With Taulupe Faletau out injured again, Wainwright remains comfortably Wales’ best fit number eight. The Dragons player has had an excellent season, capped off as Wales’ stand out player in the 2024 Six Nations.

Who would you pick for Wales’ opening game of the summer? Lets us know at subscribe@sportin.wales or join the debate on our social media!

2024 Summer Fixtures

Saturday 22 June: South Africa v Wales
Twickenham Stadium
KO 14.00 BST

Saturday 6 July: Australia v Wales
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
KO 10.55 BST / 19.55 local time

Saturday 13 July: Australia v Wales
AAMI Park, Melbourne
KO 10.55 BST / 19.55 local time

Friday 19 July: Queensland Reds v Wales
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
KO 10.55 BST / 19.55 local time