Wales v Japan: Lewis Rees-Zammit and Ollie Cracknell start

Rhys-Zammit made his international return as a second-half substitute against Argentina to make his 33rd international cap.

The 24-year-old returned to rugby with Bristol this summer after two years trying to make it in American football.

The winger will make his first start since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina and will attempt to add to his tally of 14 international tries.

“He played a few good minutes last weekend and we feel like he’s ready to get back into the starting lineup,” Tandy said.

“I think we definitely saw a lot of the way we want to play against Argentina. There was a lot to be happy with – I thought our attack was excellent and I saw a lot of physicality – but there is a lot to improve on.”

Saturday’s test in Cardiff is crucial ahead of December’s World Cup draw with 12th-placed Wales needing a win to stay above Japan in the world rankings and remain in the second seed pot for the 2027 tournaments.

Tandy is bidding for his first win since taking the reins this summer after Wales ended an 18-Test losing streak with a win in Japan under interim and now attack coach Matt Sherratt.

Japan is scheduled to announce the name of its team for Saturday’s match on Thursday evening.