Wales prepare for Argentina clash
Wales lock Adam Beard hopes his side can replicate past successes as they prepare to face Argentina in the Nations Championship this Saturday. The match will take place at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in San Juan, a venue where Beard previously triumphed eight years ago during Wales’ 23-10 victory against the Pumas. Several players from that 2018 squad, including wing Josh Adams and prop Dillon Lewis, are part of the current team. Aaron Wainwright made his Test debut in that game, while hooker Ryan Elias, who is set to earn his 50th cap this weekend, was also a replacement.
Beard reflected on the passage of time, stating, “It’s great to be back here eight years after the last time and how quick that time has gone, it’s crazy.” He acknowledged Argentina as a proud nation with a strong rugby side and expressed hope for a positive result. The Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, with a capacity of just over 25,000, is known for its passionate crowds. Beard noted that while the crowds can be hostile, these are the types of events and environments players aspire to experience.
Head coach Steve Tandy has announced three changes to the team that defeated Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium. Ellis Mee will start on the wing, replacing Louis Rees-Zammit, who moves to the bench. James Botham comes in at blindside flanker, and Sam Costelow will start at fly-half. Elias is among the replacements and could reach his 50-cap milestone, while Kane James is also on the bench, aiming for his senior international debut.
Beard’s journey back to the starting XV
Beard, who will earn his 67th cap on Saturday, has worked to secure his place in the Wales squad over the past year. He experienced a challenging performance against France during the Six Nations, which led to him being moved to the replacements bench. He reflected on that period, stating, “The start of the Six Nations was not great for myself probably, especially that France performance.” He acknowledged the costly mistakes and the need for reflection, adapting to a different role towards the end of the campaign.
With Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Beard returned to the starting lineup against Fiji in the opening Nations Championship victory. He emphasized taking opportunities when they arise, saying, “I didn’t take it for granted and felt like I put in a good performance and whenever you get those opportunities now you’ve got to take it with both hands.” Beard, now one of the more experienced second rows in Wales, expressed his continued dedication to playing for his country.
Coach Tandy praised Beard’s response to adversity, noting his performance against Fiji as one of his best. Tandy highlighted Beard’s character and his commitment to the team, even when not starting. Beard will conclude a demanding season after the upcoming matches against Argentina and South Africa in Durban. His recent move to French club Montpellier, which included a Challenge Cup success and reaching the Top 14 final, has been a significant change. Beard described the move as a rewarding challenge, appreciating the support and passion within the French league.
Team selections and coach’s insights
Tandy explained the selection decisions, highlighting the opportunity for players coming into the team. He noted that the match against Argentina presents an exciting challenge and a good test for the squad. The coach also spoke about the strength of the Argentine team, describing them as a “terrific team” with “huge depth” and passionate players.
The Wales lineup for the match includes Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams, Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams, Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (captain), Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Adam Beard, James Botham, Jac Morgan, and Aaron Wainwright. The replacements are Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Teddy Williams, Kane James, Kieran Hardy, Max Llewellyn, and Louis Rees-Zammit.
Tandy also commented on the significance of Ryan Elias potentially earning his 50th cap, calling it a “remarkable achievement” and praising Elias’s resilience and leadership. He also expressed excitement about Kane James’s potential debut, describing him as an energetic and fearless player who has quickly integrated into the squad. The coach emphasized the importance of building on last week’s performance and focusing on getting better as a team.
The match against Argentina is scheduled for Saturday, 11 July, with kick-off at 20:10 BST.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Dominic Hayes is the Sports News Writer at NewsGB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with five years of reporting experience. He started on a north-east sports desk. He holds a degree in Journalism from Teesside University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Middlesbrough, he follows pro golf and amateur boxing. “Fast and accurate is the only standard worth keeping.”
