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Simon Thomas & Mark Orders

Wales set to pick Louis Rees-Zammit in new position amid number of changes for Argentina

Wales are set to ask Louis Rees-Zammit to switch positions for the encounter with Argentina at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

The 20-cap flyer, who has scored all eight of his Test tries from the wing, is in line for an outing at full-back for the visit of a team who last weekend did something no Welsh side has managed in seven years and defeated England at Twickenham.

One of the fastest players ever to pull on the red jersey, the 21-year-old took the audacious step of phoning Wales head coach Wayne Pivac amid injuries at full-back before the autumn Tests to say: “You do know I can play 15?” You can read more here about Rees-Zammit making that call.

Read more: Young Wales international made redundant in Worcester meltdown joins Welsh Premiership

With those problems still with Wales in the shape of Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams being out of contention, it seems the selectors are ready to give the Gloucester player the chance to show what he can do as last line of defence.

He has played most of his club rugby out wide but did wear the No. 15 jersey for the Cherry and Whites earlier in his career.

His move is likely to allow Alex Cuthbert to return on the wing, adding experience and aerial ability, with Gareth Anscombe starting at fly-half for only the second time in the Pivac era and Rio Dyer expected to continue out wide after an impressive Wales debut against New Zealand.

Up front, Dan Lydiate has this week been preparing for yet another Test comeback after failing to make the cut for the New Zealand game, which ended in a 55-23 thrashing for Wales. The selectors opted for Tommy Reffell as openside in that match, only for the flanker to suffer a painful rib injury that reduced his effectiveness.

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Wales will look to Lydiate to fell Argentina’s big ball-carriers from blindside with his tackling, with Justin Tipuric tipped to move back to his preferred position of openside and Dillon Lewis touted for an upgrade from the bench to the run-on XV.

There are suggestions Wales’ injury list may include Christ Tshiunza, who along with Alun Wyn Jones and Tomas Francis could miss out on the 23.

Wales (possible) : Louis Rees-Zammit; Alex Cuthbert, George North, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Ken Owens, Dillon Lewis, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements : Ryan Elias, Rhodri Jones, Sam Wainwright, Ben Carter, Jac Morgan, Kieran Hardy, Rhys Priestland, Owen Watkin.

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