The Welsh, reeling from last weekend’s first test 24-19 collapse in Kitakyushu against Eddie Jones’ side, will be without number eight Taulupe Faletau as they look to end the record-breaking run of 18 successive international defeats.
Aaron Wainwright comes in for Faletau as one of the changes made by interim head coach Matt Sherratt with Edwards replacing Scarlets Sam Costelow.
In the front row, prop Archie Griffin starts with Keiron Assiratti dropping out of the squad, whilst Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas replaces concussion victim Ben Carter to partner Teddy Williams in the second row.
Ospreys duo Reuben Morgan-Williams and Keelan Giles, and Dragons prop Chris Coleman, could make their international debuts from the replacements bench, with seven players represented in the XV from the Swansea-based region this weekend.
Wales have not won a Test match in 21 months since defeating Georgia in Nantes during the World Cup in October 2023.
Wales XV to face Japan:
Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy
Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (captain), Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Chris Coleman, James Ratti, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Keelan Giles.
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
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