As the Wales squad vs Springboks continues to evolve, younger players are stepping into key roles
Wales will head into their final Autumn Nations Series match with a very different look, unveiling eight changes to the side that faced New Zealand and introducing one uncapped player as they prepare to host the world champion Springboks in Cardiff.
The shift comes at a challenging moment: the fixture falls outside the official World Rugby Test window, ruling out several key Premiership-based players. Despite those setbacks, Wales’ coaching staff have opted for energy, rotation, and a little experimentation as they brace for South Africa’s physically imposing challenge.
A Freshened-Up XV for a Brutal Assignment
With several influential names unavailable, Wales have been forced into a major reshuffle. The most significant return is the powerful Aaron Wainwright, who missed the All Blacks match and now slots straight back into the No.8 jersey. His ball-carrying presence will be vital against a Springbok side that thrives on winning collisions.
The backline sees movement too, with young combinations stepping in to cover for absent stars such as Tomos Williams, Louis Rees-Zammit, and Dafydd Jenkins. Scarlets centre Joe Hawkins and wing Ellis Mee both retain their place as part of a youthful setup tasked with matching South Africa’s intensity.
At fly-half, Dan Edwards continues his run, offering Wales a playmaker still learning his trade but showing sharp instincts with ball in hand. Behind him, the experienced Kieran Hardy provides tempo at scrum-half.
Pack Rebuilt for the Bok Battle
The Welsh forwards will need to front up against the world’s most formidable scrum and maul machine. Captain Dewi Lake leads a pack built on mobility and work rate rather than pure mass.
Ospreys lock duo Rhys Davies and Ben Carter start together in a partnership still finding its rhythm but showing encouraging signs.
In the loose trio, Taine Plumtree and Alex Mann flank Wainwright in what is arguably Wales’ highest-energy back row combination of the year.
A Debutant Earns His Shot
The headline change comes from the bench:
Danny Southworth, the Cardiff loosehead prop, receives his first call-up to the senior matchday squad. With only limited experience at professional level, his debut against South Africa is as steep a baptism as it gets — but the coaching group believes in his composure and technique.
Southworth is part of a youthful bench that, collectively, has just six Test caps, underscoring how heavily Wales are investing in long-term development rather than short-term fixes.
Tandy Wants More of the Same — Just Louder
Assistant coach Steve Tandy praised the effort his side showed against New Zealand and urged them to bring that same attitude into Saturday’s encounter.
He highlighted the atmosphere at Principality Stadium as a major factor in Wales’ improved energy, noting how vocal and emotional the crowd became even during long defensive passages.
According to Tandy, the challenge is clear:
Match South Africa’s physicality, trust the attacking structure, and feed off the home supporters in what will be Wales’ final match of the autumn.
Wales XV to Face South Africa
Backs
15. Blair Murray
14. Ellis Mee
13. Joe Roberts
12. Joe Hawkins
11. Rio Dyer
10. Dan Edwards
9. Kieran Hardy
Forwards
- Gareth Thomas
- Dewi Lake (c)
- Keiron Assiratti
- Ben Carter
- Rhys Davies
- Taine Plumtree
- Alex Mann
- Aaron Wainwright
Replacements
16. Brodie Coghlan
17. Danny Southworth (debut)
18. Christian Coleman
19. James Ratti
20. Morgan Morse
21. Reuben Morgan-Williams
22. Callum Sheedy
23. Ben Thomas
