​Wales are weighing a potential Test debut for Exeter back-row forward Kane James in the Nations Championship clash with Argentina. The 21-year-old is in contention for a place on the bench to face the Pumas in San Juan this Saturday (20:10 BST). Head coach Steve Tandy is ready to refresh his lineup after beginning the Nations Championship with a win over Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium. In that opener, Wales started with Alex Mann, Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright at the back row, with James Botham and Taine Plumtree coming off the bench. James could win his first cap against Argentina following a breakthrough season with Prem runners-up Exeter.
The former England Under-20s flanker has turned out 18 times for the Chiefs and featured as a substitute in the final defeat by Northampton at Allianz Park. He was in the mix for a Six Nations squad place before suffering an ankle injury against Cardiff in January. Now, he could make his international bow against Argentina ahead of a trip to Durban to face South Africa on Saturday, 18 July (16:40 BST). Tandy is due to unveil his matchday squad on Thursday.
James previously faced Wales while with England Under-20s, a moment captured by Huw Evans Picture Agency, and his progress has put him in line to add a first England cap to his name with Wales’ upcoming matches. The Argentina game will be followed by further duties later in July as Wales resume their schedule on the road in South Africa, seeking to build on the momentum from their Fiji victory and continue their preparations for the global program ahead.