There is a certain rugby romance about chasing a big scalp in the southern hemisphere.

For Wales, Argentina in San Juan offers exactly that: a chance to turn momentum into something more meaningful against a Los Pumas side still stung from Scotland’s win last week, but always ferocious on home soil.

With three changes to the side that beat Fiji 24-39 last weekend, including a switch at fly-half, head coach Steve Tandy says he is looking to “freshen up” his squad for what will be a bruising encounter.

“We know this is a major challenge for us,” Tandy said.

“We haven’t won back‑to‑back games since 2023 [before the Italy and Fiji wins], so that’s a reality piece, and we’re away from home in the next two games against world‑class outfits.

“For us it’s making sure that we don’t think too far ahead. We make sure we’re getting better at what we do.”

That line – not thinking too far ahead – has become the coaching staff’s mantra on this tour. The selection for Argentina shows they understand the significance of the occasion.

After a stop-start beginning to the summer camp, Louis Rees-Zammit drops to the bench in place of Ellis Mee, perhaps the form winger in Wales during the second half of the domestic season.

“I think it’s a little bit freshening up,” he explained of bringing in new faces.

“There’s also you’ve got to be balancing the cohesion as well because we’ve only had one training session. So, bringing new boys in is beneficial.

“It’s a good opportunity for those guys, but again we keep lots of cohesion as well.”

Nowhere is that balance more obvious than at fly-half, now an area of genuine competition. Sam Costelow gets the nod to start, ahead of Dan Edwards, who had previously been the architect of recent success.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily to change the attack,” Tandy said of picking Costelow.

“It’s just giving Costy an opportunity. They’re both competitive in different ways. They’re outstanding in the group, but I think Costy deserves it.

“He’s competitive, he works. Dan’s just slightly different in what he does, but Costy just ultimately deserves an opportunity.”

With two young, talented, fly-halves to pick from, balancing their development with a desire to pick up victories is one of Tandy’s key objectives.

“Since I’ve come in, those two young kids have been excellent,” he added.

“The first time, those two young men have given themselves this real challenge. You see it every day – they’ll be together on the laptops, but then when it comes to training, super competitive.

“We’re very lucky to have two young 10s who are so driven, very competitive, and the best thing about it is they really make each other better as well.”

Another selection decision was the inclusion of Exeter Chiefs back row Kane James, handed his debut on a stage that could hardly be more demanding.

A young, exciting number eight, in a similar mould to senior player Aaron Wainwright – who ironically made his debut on the same ground the last time Wales were in San Juan in 2018.

If James can emulate the Leicester Tigers-bound forward, he has a fantastic career ahead of him.

“I think the personality and the human being element, the way he’s driven, the way he goes about his game, is outstanding,” Tandy said.

“The energy, the detail he brings, and I think he’s fearless as well. Whenever he takes the field for Exeter, I just think he’s a fearless young man. He thoroughly deserves an opportunity.

“He’s been brilliant since he’s come in from day one. Sometimes you can get people who come in and are tentative – he has just ripped straight in, fitted into the group environment, fitted in with the players, and excited to see him go on the weekend.”

If James represents the new, Ryan Elias stands for everything that has been hard-won and endured.

The Scarlets hooker will reach 50 caps for Wales off the bench on Saturday, a number that speaks of years of grind and setback. Tandy was almost emotional when he talked about him.

“Getting a single cap is some achievement – getting 50 is unbelievable,” Tandy added.

“He’s been through a lot. Resilience is a must playing international rugby, but Ryan someone who thoroughly deserves those caps in the way he trains.

“He’s at the other end of the career, but the way he trains, he doesn’t miss a minute. He’s been a leader as well. He talks when he needs to talk.

“I think the way he’s good with the younger boys as well, driving the set-piece, whatever the rating is and whatever the role might be. We can’t wait to see him.”

Tandy’s Wales tenure began with Argentina inflicting a record 52-28 defeat on Wales in November 2025. After a difficult start, recent wins have steadied the conversation.

“Everyone’s always happy with a win and everything seems to suddenly come out probably a little bit like that,” Tandy admitted.

“But for us, it hasn’t changed. It’s about us getting better, really focusing on ourselves.

“Obviously, winning aids confidence. You learn different things and it becomes much different. But the reality for us is we have to be at our best.

“We have to keep focusing on those small moments in the games. We’ve still got a long way to chase. It’s much nicer doing it after a win, but we want to do it on a consistent level.”

Argentina, though, are the sort of opposition who expose any illusion of progress. Scotland’s win last week in the Nations Championship will have sharpened minds in Buenos Aires and beyond.

Los Pumas at home are rarely anything other than combustible; after being turned over, they are usually volcanic.

“They’re a terrific team, and they’ve got a big squad,” Tandy said.

“There’ll be lots of passion there at home. It’s just an exciting opportunity for us to embrace that and be in a hostile environment.

“It’s great for our players to experience this in a different environment. It just adds to their experience – they learn and move forward.”

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