Wales Make Five Changes for Second WXV Test Against Japan

Wales have announced five starting changes for their upcoming WXV Test against Japan on Saturday, as head coach Sean Lynn rewards players who made an impact from the bench in the previous match.

Following a 17-0 victory in Tokyo last weekend, flanker Bethan Lewis has been promoted to the starting XV after an impressive performance as a replacement. Co-captain Alex Callender will shift to number eight to accommodate the back-row adjustment. Additional changes to the pack see Gwen Crabb and Gwenllian Pyrs also moving up from the bench. In the backline, Lleucu George has been selected at fly-half ahead of Keira Bevan, partnering with scrum-half Seren Lockwood. Meanwhile, Courtney Keight enters the starting lineup at centre, replacing Freya Bell, who faces a lengthy absence due to a serious knee injury sustained during the opening Test.

Head coach Sean Lynn explained the selection strategy:

• "We have made the changes to reward the players who finished the job in Tokyo."
• "Competition for places drives standards and performances and will only help us improve and get better as a team."

Match Context and Preparations

Wales are aiming for back-to-back victories as they conclude their WXV campaign at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Saitama Prefecture. Kick-off is scheduled for 07:00 GMT. Last week's win allowed Wales to overtake Japan in the rankings, placing them 11th globally.

Despite the previous clean sheet, Lynn acknowledged that the team must elevate their accuracy and deliver a consistent 80-minute performance against a determined Japan side.

How to Follow the Match

• Video: Live coverage available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
• Audio: Commentary broadcast on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales Extra, and BBC Radio Cymru.

Fans can verify the team announcements and broadcast details directly through official BBC Sport or Welsh Rugby Union channels.