Team news – Faletau out as Wales make four changespublished at 06:32 British Summer Time
Japan v Wales (06:50 BST)
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Let’s start with a look at the Wales team, and the two most significant bits of news are that number eight Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out, while fly-half Dan Edwards is given his first international start.
Faletau, 34, came off during the second half of the 24-19 defeat in Kitakyushu after suffering “heat-related cramps” in the intense conditions and has not recovered.
He is replaced by Aaron Wainwright as one of four changes made by interim head coach Matt Sherratt, who said he wanted to “freshen things up a bit”.
Edwards comes in for Sam Costelow, while prop Archie Griffin starts with Keiron Assiratti dropping out of the squad.
Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas replaces Ben Carter, who has been ruled out because of concussion.
Ospreys duo Reuben Morgan-Williams and Keelan Giles, and Dragons prop Chris Coleman, could make their international debuts from the replacements’ bench.
Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Chris Coleman, James Ratti, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Keelan Giles.