Steve Tandy has named his Wales side to face Fiji in the inaugural match of the Nations Championship, with Louis Rees-Zammit shifted back to the wing.

Rees-Zammit played every minute of the Six Nations at full back for Wales, having played there for club side Bristol Bears, but now reverts to his original position of the wing, with Scarlets man Blair Murray keeping his place after the 31-33 victory over the Barbarians last week.

In all, Tandy has made six changes to his Wales side from last weekend, with England and France-based players returning.

Rhys Carre comes in at loosehead prop, Adam Beard slots into the second row, Tomos Williams takes the number nine shirt, and Rees-Zammit is in on the right wing.

The other changes come in the back row where Alex Mann is given the nod over Taine Plumtree and James Botham, who both make the bench, and Josh Adams on the left wing, preferred to Ellis Mee.

Dewi Lake captain the side at hooker, with Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Jac Morgan, and Aaron Wainwright keeping their places in the pack from the Baa-Baas game.

Dan Edwards and the centre partnership of Joe Hawkins and Eddie James also continue, as does Blair Murray at fullback.

Among the Wales replacements Ben Warren is in line to win his first cap this weekend, having made his first senior appearance for Wales in the uncapped match against the Barbarians last Saturday.

Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Taine Plumtree and James Botham are the other replacement forwards. Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow and Ellis Mee provide cover for the backs.

With Dafydd Jenkins injured, and Plumtree preferred to Teddy Williams, the Scarlets loose forward will provide second row cover.

“It’s been awesome get back into camp and get ready for games,” Tandy said.

“We want to keep building on the Six Nations and from last weekend as well. We’ve created a lot of momentum and we’re looking to hit the ground running on Saturday.

“We love to be in Wales playing games. Our support means a hell of a lot to us and our fans are incredible how they get behind the team. We’re excited to be in Cardiff to start the Nations Championship.

On the uncapped Warren, Tandy added: “Ben picks up things really quickly. I think he’s really developed over the last month in scrums with Paul [James, scrum coach] and for him to get an opportunity to make his debut on Saturday, and in Cardiff, is great.”

Team News

Wales

Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (capt), Dillon Lewis; Ben Carter, Adam Beard; Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements

Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Ellis Mee.

Fiji

TBC

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