Matt Sherratt has announced his Wales team (Image: Getty)
Dewi Lake is set to make his first appearance in three years, as he has been named on the bench for ‘ upcoming match against in Edinburgh. The last time Lake played in the tournament was as a starter against Italy in 2022.
As they aim to break a 15-Test losing streak, Wales have chosen an unchanged starting XV for the first time since 2019, with Matt Sherratt favouring continuity following a better performance against Ireland. Lake, who has overcome a bicep injury, is expected to come off the bench after being officially called up last week.
The only other change to the bench sees tighthead prop Keiron Assiratti replace Henry Thomas. Lake, who led Wales in last year’s summer and autumn campaigns, suffered the injury during training shortly after the Ospreys’ Challenge Cup loss to Montpellier.
Despite initial fears that he would miss a third consecutive Six Nations due to injury, he has returned sooner than anticipated and will now have the opportunity to prove himself in the final two rounds for a spot with the British and Irish Lions this summer. Adam Jones, scrum coach, praised Lake earlier this week, stating: “He’s been excellent. He’s a former captain and has been a big player for Wales in the last few years.
“Evan’s done a good job and Elliot’s been brilliant. He’s adding another voice. He’s a big bugger as well. He wants to carry. He’s got physicality. Dare I say, it’s a big year for him with what’s going on in the summer. He’s been mentioned in certain squads. He’s got a point to prove. That’s the beauty of this year. Anyone who plays well in the Six Nations has a chance to tour in the summer.
Dewi Lake is set to make his Six Nations return (Image: Getty)
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“You can lose your ticket on the plane by having a bad game or you can get it by having a big game. There’s a few boys in our squad who are in the mix and he’s one of them. It’s good to have him back.”
This is the first time since Wales announced their line-up for the 2019 World Cup match against Australia in Japan that they have named an unchanged XV for consecutive Tests. Nicky Smith is being rewarded with consecutive starts for Wales for the first time since the summer of 2021, as part of the first unchanged pack since last year’s Six Nations.
This also marks the first time since the 2021 Six Nations that Wales have fielded the same backline in consecutive Tests. “This week we’ve challenged ourselves to keep improving,” said Sherratt. “We want to keep the same intent and bravery as we showed last time out, but making sure that we are building on our game. We’re excited for the challenge of playing Scotland in Edinburgh and can’t wait to get out there on Saturday.”
Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Ellis Mee; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee, WillGriff John, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, Jac Morgan (c), Tommy Reffell, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Williams, Jarrod Evans, Joe Roberts.
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