TAINE BASHAM IS set to make his first Wales appearance in over two years after being named at No 8 in the team to face New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.
Basham (27) has been recalled for the Nations Championship clash against the All Blacks after Aaron Wainwright, who featured in the position during last Saturday’s 28-21 win over Japan in Wales’s November Nations Championship opener, was ruled out with a minor calf injury.
Another back-row change sees James Botham, the grandson of England cricket great Ian Botham, start at blindside flanker, with Adam Beard in the second row and Gabriel Hamer-Webb on the left wing.
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The All Blacks have dominated this fixture, posting 34 successive wins over Wales since their last loss back in 1953.
“We’re excited for the opportunity we have against New Zealand,” said Wales coach Steve Tandy. “It was good to get the win last Saturday, but some elements of our execution weren’t where we wanted.
“We have to go up another level this weekend and be more ruthless. We have one of the best teams in the world coming. We want to be better and put in an 80-minute performance.”
Turning to Cardiff loose forward Basham, he added: “I’m delighted that Taine gets an opportunity this weekend. It’s been a while since his last appearance for Wales but he didn’t give up and has put in a lot of dedication and hard work to get back.”
New Zealand, who overwhelmed Scotland 43-21 in Edinburgh last week, are due to name their side later Thursday.
Wales recall Basham in one of four changes for New Zealand clash
TAINE BASHAM IS set to make his first Wales appearance in over two years after being named at No 8 in the team to face New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.
Basham (27) has been recalled for the Nations Championship clash against the All Blacks after Aaron Wainwright, who featured in the position during last Saturday’s 28-21 win over Japan in Wales’s November Nations Championship opener, was ruled out with a minor calf injury.
Another back-row change sees James Botham, the grandson of England cricket great Ian Botham, start at blindside flanker, with Adam Beard in the second row and Gabriel Hamer-Webb on the left wing.
The All Blacks have dominated this fixture, posting 34 successive wins over Wales since their last loss back in 1953.
“We’re excited for the opportunity we have against New Zealand,” said Wales coach Steve Tandy. “It was good to get the win last Saturday, but some elements of our execution weren’t where we wanted.
“We have to go up another level this weekend and be more ruthless. We have one of the best teams in the world coming. We want to be better and put in an 80-minute performance.”
Turning to Cardiff loose forward Basham, he added: “I’m delighted that Taine gets an opportunity this weekend. It’s been a while since his last appearance for Wales but he didn’t give up and has put in a lot of dedication and hard work to get back.”
New Zealand, who overwhelmed Scotland 43-21 in Edinburgh last week, are due to name their side later Thursday.
Wales (v New Zealand):
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