​Wales captain Dewi Lake is set to miss the Nations Championship fixture against South Africa on Saturday. Ryan Elias is likely to start at hooker for Wales, with Dragons hooker Elliot Dee expected to fly to Durban to provide cover. Meanwhile, Jac Morgan is now anticipated to captain Wales for the season finale at Kings Park, after taking charge when Lake was sidelined with a groin injury during the 35-21 defeat by Argentina. That loss marked the first time Steve Tandy has gone without Lake, who has started every Test since Tandy’s tenure began last year.
South Africa have made changes of their own, ringing the changes with four new caps as Wales prepare for a formidable test. The challenge ahead remains the hardest Wales have faced, and they will need a strong reaction on South African soil to respond to the setback. Argentina’s visit earlier in the year provided a reality check as Wales seeks to regain momentum after dropping in the world rankings.
Elias is poised to earn his first Test start since the opening round of the 2024 Six Nations against Scotland, underscoring the selection pressure at the hooker position. Cardiff’s Evan Lloyd is also in the squad as another hooker option and could make his international return after more than a year, with Dee’s imminent arrival in South Africa adding much-needed experience and depth to the front row. Morgan remains the likely choice to lead Wales against the world champions, unless Tandy decides to rotate or rest the open-side flanker in this crucial match.
Wales enter this fixture ranked 12th in the world after their defeat to Argentina and a historic 73-0 loss to South Africa in their last meeting in November. The current challenges in the pack and at the lineout loom large as Wales aim to deliver a disciplined, high-intensity performance against the Springboks on their home soil. The squad’s composition signals a mix of fresh legs and experienced front-row options, with Dee heading to Durban as cover and Lloyd pushing for a top-level cap. The management’s decisions in selection will be critical as Wales eye a positive result against the champions to restore confidence and climb the world standings once more.