# Tandy selects imposing Llewellyn and James for Wales’ Japan opener

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/wales-opt-for-centre-power-pair-against-japan/
- Published: 2026-11-05T11:18:48+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T11:26:26+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c9146d7g0reyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Asia, Sport, UK, World

## Key points

- 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.

## Summary

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.

## Coverage

- [BBC Sport: Tandy selects imposing Llewellyn and James for Wales’ Japan opener](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c9146d7g0reyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
- [CNA: Costelow gets nod at flyhalf for Wales against Japan](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/costelow-gets-nod-flyhalf-wales-against-japan-6527236)

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