# Basham starts for Wales as Wainwright ruled out

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/basham-starts-for-wales-as-wainwright-ruled-out/
- Published: 2026-11-12T09:05:19+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T09:20:33+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cmvg2dwpyx70o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport, UK, World

## Key points

- Taine Basham starts at number eight against New Zealand.
- Aaron Wainwright is out with a minor calf injury.
- Wales make four changes after beating Japan.

## Summary

Wales have recalled Taine Basham to start at number eight against New Zealand on Saturday, replacing the injured Aaron Wainwright. The change reshapes the back row as Wales seek a stronger performance after beating Japan 28-21.

Head coach Steve Tandy has made four starting changes: James Botham and Adam Beard also come in, while Gabriel Hamer-Webb earns his second cap on the wing in place of Josh Adams. Wainwright has a minor calf injury; prop Tomas Francis is out for the rest of the campaign. Wales have not beaten New Zealand since 1953, and the All Blacks arrive after a 43-21 win over Scotland.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.