Warren Gatland makes 4 changes for Wales' last hope of 2024 win

Warren Gatland has made four changes to his Wales side in their final chance to register a win in 2024 against the world champions South Africa.

Two changes have been made in the pack and another two in the backline from the side that were comprehensively beaten by Australia on Sunday.

The injured Adam Beard has been replaced by Christ Tshiunza in the second-row, while No 8 Aaron Wainwright is out of the squad entirely. Taine Plumtree will start in his place at the back of the scrum.

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Another veteran is out entirely in the backline, with Gareth Anscombe being replaced by Sam Costelow at fly-half. With centre Ben Thomas providing cover at No 10, Gatland opted to go without a playmaker on the bench, with Josh Hathaway joining the replacements. Full-back Hathaway will be joined by his Gloucester team-mate Freddie Thomas among the substitutes, who will win his first cap should he come on.

The final change to the starting XV sees Rio Dyer start on the wing, with Blair Murray shifting to full-back to take Cameron Winnett’s place.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

14

36

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

40%

“Last week’s result hurts and we are just as disappointed by it as the fans,” said Gatland.

“Our focus now is on training and preparing well for our final game of this Autumn Nations Series.

“There were good elements that we can definitely build on going into Saturday, but we have to improve our accuracy.

“We know what a quality side South Africa are and the physicality they bring. This week we need to show real courage and front up against the world champions.”

Wales XV
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 2 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 5 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 4 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – 22 caps)
10. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 17 caps)
9. Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 35 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 17 caps) captain
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 5 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 35 caps)
5. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs – 14 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 17 caps)
8. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 6 caps)

Replacements 
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 43 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 48 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – uncapped)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 22 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 4 caps)
22. Eddie James (Scarlets – 2 caps)
23. Josh Hathaway (Gloucester Rugby – 1 cap)