Lake will lead the side in the absence of club teammate Jac Morgan who has pulled out of Warren Gatland’s squad due to a hamstring injury picked up in the regions last-eight United Rugby Championship defeat to Munster. The flanker will also miss his countries tour of Australia.
In a shake-up of the front-row, Gareth Thomas is partnered by Lake and new Scarlets signing Henry Thomas in the engine room.
The duo of Dragons Matthew Screech and Ben Carter have been chosen in a new look partnership in the second-row with several locks unavailable.
Those include Adam Beard Teddy Williams and Rhys Davies who are on a lengthy injury list. Seb Davies is suspended, whilst Exeter Chiefs Dafydd Jenkins is one of a host of players unavailable to play against the Springboks because the match falls outside World Rugby’s international window.
The flanks are occupied by Taine Plumtree and late call up James Botham in the absence of Morgan and Tommy Reffell, whilst Aaron Wainwright continues at eight.
There is a debut at scrum-half for Cardiff rookie Ellis Bevan who will be partnered at half-back with Sam Costelow at ten. Owen Watkin and Mason Grady form a new partnership looking after midfield duties at centre with Nick Tompkins ineligible and George North now retired from the international scene.
In the back three Cameron Winnott continues at full back, whilst Liam Williams makes a welcome return for his country and will play for the first time since the 2023 World Cup on one wing with the speedy Rio Dyer occupying the other.
The Welsh bench could see debuts handed to Cardiff back James Beetham, Scarlets centre Eddie James and Ospreys utility man James Ratti.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland said:
“There’s a huge amount of potential in this group and the next five weeks will be extremely important for us in terms of wanting to develop this team.
“We have our backs to the wall this week, but we’re really excited about the challenge on Saturday.
“Facing the World champions at Twickenham will be a great occasion and we’re relishing the opportunity to get out there and put in a performance.”
Wales starting XV
15. Cameron Winnett, 14. Liam Williams, 13. Owen Watkin ,12. Mason Grady, 11. Rio Dyer, 10. Sam Costelow, 9. Ellis Bevan
1. Gareth Thomas, 2. Dewi Lake (captain), 3. Henry Thomas, 4. Ben Carter, 5. Matthew Screech, 6. Taine Plumtree, 7. James Botham, 8. Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
16. Evan Lloyd, 17. Kemsley Mathias,18. Keiron Assiratti,19. James Ratti, 20. Mackenzie Martin, 21. Gareth Davies, 22. Eddie James, 23. James Beetham.
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
