Macleod returns as Wales seek to end record losing streak against Japan

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FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - International - Wales v Australia - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - November 26, 2022 Wales Josh Macleod and teammates look dejected after the match REUTERS/Rebecca Naden/File Photo

Flanker Josh Macleod will earn a first cap in almost three years when he starts for Wales against Japan in Kitakyushu on Saturday, as the visitors seek to end a record 17-game losing streak that has weighed heavily on the game in the country.

Macleod has not featured for the side since the autumn series in 2022 and will make up a back three that also includes Alex Mann and experienced number eight Taulupe Faletau.

Ben Carter and Teddy Williams are the second row pairing while hooker Dewi Lake, who captains the side, will have props Nicky Smith and Keiron Assiratti either side of him.

Flyhalf Sam Costelow starts after missing the Six Nations through injury, with Kieran Hardy at scrumhalf.

Ben Thomas and Johnny Williams make up the centre pairing, and there is a back three of wings Josh Adams and Tom Rogers, and full-back Blair Murray.

Replacement hooker Liam Belcher is the only uncapped player in the match day 23.

We had a very good build-up. We tried to give everyone a fair chance of selection, stand-in coach Matt Sherratt said.

(Macleod) has struggled with some injuries, had a real rollercoaster over the last three or four years, so him coming back in is massive.

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