Rugby-Wales forced into front row change for Springbok test


FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 warm up - Wales v England - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Britain - August 5, 2023 Wales' Keiron Assiratti and Aaron Wainwright in action with England's Marcus Smith Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley/File Photo

(Reuters) - Wales have had to make a change in their front row for the test against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday with tighthead prop Henry Thomas ruled out with a foot injury and replaced by Keiron Assiratti.

Harri O’Connor comes onto the bench in place of Assiratti for the clash against the world champions, with both teams fielding weakened sides as the fixture falls outside of the international window.

Wales have also called Bath wing Regan Grace into their wider squad of 38 players, with Keelan Giles released due to a groin injury.

Coach Warren Gatland will reduce the squad to 34 players next week ahead of a trip to Australia where they will play tests on July 6 and 13.

Updated Wales team:

15-Cameron Winnett, 14-Liam Williams, 13-Owen Watkin, 12-Mason Grady, 11-Rio Dyer, 10-Sam Costelow, 9-Ellis Bevan, 8-Aaron Wainwright, 7-James Botham, 6-Taine Plumtree, 5-Ben Carter, 4-Matthew Screech, 3- Kieron Assiratti, 2-Dewi Lake (captain), 1-Gareth Thomas

Replacements: 16-Evan Lloyd, 17-Kemsley Mathias, 18-Harri O’Connor, 19-James Ratti, 20-Mackenzie Martin, 21-Gareth Davies, 22-Eddie James, 23-Jacob Beetham

(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Ken Ferris)

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