Harry Deaves makes his debut for Wales against New Zealand

Photo: Huv Evans Picture Agency

Flanker Harry Deaves will make his Wales debut against New Zealand on Saturday, one of five changes to the side that beat Japan last week.

Deaves will start at openside, alongside blindside Alec Mann and Aaron Wainwright at number 8, Nevs.Az conveys, quoting foreign media.

Captain Devi Lake returns to the fold, with Rhys Kare and Keiron Assirati named in the front row.

The Wales backline has two changes, with Joe Hawkins selected at inside centre, making his first appearance for Wales since the 2023 Six Nations, while Tom Rodgers returns to the wing following Josh Adams’ suspension following his red card against Japan.

Among the replacements, winger Brodie Coghlan would join Deaves in his Wales debut on Saturday with an appearance off the bench, while loosehead prop Gareth Thomas is in line to make his first appearance for Wales this campaign.

“Obviously we want to improve on the performance from Japan,” Wales coach Steve Tandy said as he watched his side pull off a 24-23 injury-time win last weekend.

“I thought we had some outstanding moments against Argentina (in their first match of the Autumn Series). We felt we would have liked to have improved more last weekend.”

“Obviously it was good to win, but we want to improve our performance against world-class opposition on Saturday.”

Referring to Deaves, Tandy added: “His performance for the Ospreys, both sides of the ball, was outstanding.

“I like the way he plays the game. He’s a smaller rugby player and the way he plays adds physicality. His speed and aggression are there for all to see. It’s an amazing opportunity for Harry and we can’t wait to see him on Saturday.”

Since their first meeting in Cardiff in 1905, New Zealand have completely dominated this match winning 34 out of 37 matches against Wales.

Wales won that first encounter 3-0, but won just twice more and had not recorded a victory since 1953.

That means Wales have a losing streak against New Zealand of 33 consecutive Tests over 71 years.

Wales meet New Zealand after recording only their second win in 21 Test matches against Japan last weekend.

It was Tandy’s first win as manager after Wales ended an 18-game losing streak with victory over Japan in July under interim boss – and now attack coach – Matt Sherratt.

Last week’s win also ended Wales’ 10-game losing streak at home.

Wales close their autumn program against world champions South Africa next weekend.

Nevs.Az