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Wales opt for centre power pair against Japan
Wales coach Steve Tandy has selected a powerful centre pairing of Max Llewellyn and Eddie James for Saturday’s Nations Championship match against Japan. The choice marks a shift from his usual preference for a recognised ball-player at inside centre, as Wales seek a strong start to the next phase of the campaign at home.
Llewellyn, at 1.96 metres and 107kg, will wear the number 12 shirt alongside James, who is 1.90 metres and 103kg. Tandy has made seven changes from the side beaten 43-0 by South Africa in July; fly-half Sam Costelow starts, while Dafydd Jenkins returns from a knee injury. Nine starters play their club rugby in England, and Wales have three Scarlets players, two from Cardiff, one Dragon and no Ospreys in the starting team.
In short
- Llewellyn and James form a heavyweight Wales centre pairing against Japan.
- Wales make seven changes after July’s 43-0 defeat to South Africa.
- Sam Costelow starts at fly-half, with Dafydd Jenkins back from injury.
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.