Wales Back Row Reshuffled: Harri Deaves Called Up Following Jac Morgan Injury
TOKYO, JAPAN – Wales head coach Steve Tandy has been forced into a back-row reshuffle ahead of Saturday’s Test match against Japan, calling up harri deaves following a significant injury to Jac Morgan. The news comes as a blow to the Welsh squad, with Tandy describing the loss of Morgan as deeply felt.
“We’re all gutted to lose Jac – he’s a world-class player, as well as a great man off the pitch,” Tandy said. Morgan’s injury creates an chance for others within the squad, and Tandy highlighted the consistent strong performances of Deaves for the Ospreys as a key factor in his selection.
The injury necessitates at least one change to the back row that started against Argentina, featuring Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright alongside morgan. Debutants Olly Cracknell and Freddie Thomas (capable of playing both lock and flanker) also saw action in that match. uncapped players Morgan Morse, an Ospreys number eight, and Scarlets’ Taine Plumtree have also been included in the squad, adding depth to the position.
With Morgan sidelined, 24-year-old Deaves is now the sole specialist open-side flanker in the Wales setup. Tandy’s decision also saw Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell overlooked, as he would have been unavailable for the final match against South Africa, wich falls outside of World Rugby’s official Test window. Prior to Morgan’s injury, Alex Mann, typically a blind-side flanker, was considered as potential cover for the number seven jersey.
