Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, July 7.
Wales announce team
The Wales team to play South Africa in the second Test is announced today.
You can follow the news live as it happens this morning here. Wayne Pivac is expected to largely keep faith with the side that went so close in the opening encounter last weekend, but the likes of Alex Cuthbert are pushing for a start.
South Africa, of course, have already named their team, making a whopping 14 changes to the starting XV. That call has sparked controversy, with Wales legend Sir Gareth Edwards branding it disrespectful.
Read next: South Africa rip up team to play Wales as 14 changes made
Habana impressed by Rees-Zammit
Springboks legend Bryan Habana has lauded Louis Rees-Zammit for proving he is far more than a one-trick pony.
The Wales youngster scored two tries in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld, just four months after being dropped from Wales' Six Nations squad for the match against England. Rees-Zammit was sent back to Gloucester to work on certain aspects of his all-round game, and appears to have bounced back a stronger player.
Speaking on the RugbyPass Offload podcast, Habana said: "Everyone has been talking about Louis Rees-Zammit for the last two years and then he got sent home in the Six Nations for a few reasons - his defence and his ability under the high ball. What he's shown is he's gone, taken a hard look at himself and worked on certain areas. When you have the pace it is one thing but when your all round game starts to come together it is brilliant.
"He went up against Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi, two of the best in the world, and he definitely stood up."
Habana, like many, was impressed with Wales' showing as they took the world champions to the brink before losing 32-29 in the final second of the match, adding: "Their loose forward trio were just phenomenal in terms of their physicality. I said South Africa by 15 so I'm happy to say kudos to Wales. They certainly brought it at Loftus, which I don't think anyone expected.
"Wales brought an absolute mongrel to that fight and it made for an intense, awesome Test match, which world rugby needed."
Exhausted Wales coach blown away by bravery
Wales boss Byron Hayward admitted he was “exhausted” after a nail-biting 23-20 win against Italy saw them take their place in the Under-20 Six Nations Summer Series final.
Captain Joe Hawkins kicked the match-winning penalty with just four minutes to play at the end of a tense second half which saw just eight points scored between both teams.
Wales have now won three games in a row for the first time since 2016, when they won the Six Nations Under-20s and Hayward will be hoping their current run also culminates in silverware.
Asked to sum up his feelings on the game, Hayward said: “One word would be exhausting, and that’s just me stood up in the box there.”
“It’s a good feeling, I’m chuffed for the boys because they’ve worked so hard and our defensive effort showed how close they are.
“We’ve tried to create an environment here where the boys enjoy what they do, just work as hard as they can, just give 100% and when they take the field they’re a real close-knit bunch.”
Wales were on the back foot for most of the second half and were camped on their line for a seemingly endless spell before Italy’s Federico Cuminetti scored in the corner to bring the scores level.
But that resilience limited Italy to just five points at a time when Wales were reduced to 14-men after a yellow card for Adam Williams, the third different Welsh prop to be carded on the night.
“When you look at that defensive effort, we were down to 13 and 14 men so many times and the boys just managed to keep them out,” Hayward explained.
“Italy are a quality team, the boys just managed to keep them out, that’s a testament to their character and how close they are as a group.”
The Six Nations Under-20 Summer Series takes place from 24 June – 12 July. Fans can watch every match live. For more information visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJHm6BFw-9JRA1CMekNLwMg
England to name shock team
By Duncan Bech, PA
Eddie Jones has rolled the dice for England's do-or-die second Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday by giving debuts to Guy Porter and Tommy Freeman.
In a shock overhaul of the threequarters, Porter comes in for Joe Marchant at outside centre and Freeman replaces the underperforming Joe Cokanasiga on the left wing.
Completing the trio of changes in the backs is Jack van Poortvliet making his full debut at scrum-half after being given the nod ahead of Danny Care.
The final adjustment to the side defeated 30-28 in the first Test in Perth is Sam Underhill filling the void at openside created by Tom Curry's tour-ending concussion.
Jones has opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs on a bench that includes teenage sensation Henry Arundell, who will be aiming to make another explosive cameo appearance.
"We have decided to make changes in our back line. They were tough calls but we feel they will strengthen the team. There are opportunities to attack against Australia which we can take," Jones said.
"This game is the perfect practice for the World Cup and our focus is putting on our best performance."
Read next:
Sir Gareth Edwards accuses South Africa of disrespecting Wales and devaluing Test series
Wales fans call for one change to team and WRU thrilled to land Ospreys star
Barry John's talented brother dies as tributes paid to 'club legend'
Wales rugby players visit Soweto township on day off amid emotional trip to Nelson Mandela's house
