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Tandy selects imposing Llewellyn and James for Wales’ Japan opener
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
Wales coach Steve Tandy has named Max Llewellyn and Eddie James as his centre pairing for Saturday’s Nations Championship opener against Japan, opting for size and power. Llewellyn will wear the number 12 shirt, a change from Tandy’s usual preference for a recognised ball-player there.
The 1.96m, 107kg Llewellyn and 1.90m, 103kg James form one of Wales’ biggest midfield pairings. Tandy has made seven changes from the side beaten 43-0 by South Africa in July; fly-half Sam Costelow starts, and Dafydd Jenkins returns after a knee injury. Nine starters play club rugby in England, while the squad includes three Scarlets players and no Ospreys.
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In short
- Llewellyn and James start together in midfield against Japan.
- Wales are backing size and power at centre.
- Tandy has made seven changes since July’s South Africa defeat.
How this story developed
- 35 minutes ago The team details added that Wales had two Cardiff players and one Dragon in the starting XV, alongside three Scarlets players and no Ospreys, while nine starters played their club rugby in England.
- 42 minutes ago Wales coach Steve Tandy named Max Llewellyn and Eddie James as his powerful centre pairing for the Nations Championship opener against Japan, with Llewellyn at inside centre in a change from Tandy’s usual preference for a ball-player there.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A powerful centre pairing could help Wales carry over the gain line, win physical contests and put Japan’s defence under pressure. After a heavy defeat to South Africa, choosing a different midfield combination may also give the team a clearer platform and a fresh start.
The case against
Wales’ usual preference for a recognised ball-player at inside centre reflects the value of distribution and decision-making in creating space for others. A less familiar balance in midfield could limit those options or leave the centres’ size less useful against Japan, while seven changes may make it harder to build cohesion.
Explained simply
Wales and Japan are national rugby union sides, and they meet in the Nations Championship, an international competition between leading teams. In rugby, centres play in midfield, where they help carry the ball, pass and defend; the number 12 is the inside centre, often a key link between forwards and backs.
Wales coach Steve Tandy picks the team, drawing on players based at clubs in Wales and England. His choices can reflect the balance he wants between size, passing and other skills, as well as player fitness and form. The match matters to both teams as part of their international campaign and offers a chance to assess how their line-ups work together.
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Originally published by BBC Sport as “Wales opt for centre power pair against Japan”.