Tandy outlines decision to start Zammo against Japan and why he kept changes to a minimum

STEVE TANDY has named his team for Wales' second autumn fixture against Japan tomorrow.

- By BEN JAMES

The new Wales coach has kept changes to a minimum, making just four - as well as a couple of positional switches - to face the Brave Blossoms.

Here's what Tandy had to say after naming his team...

WAS IT STRAIGHTFORWARD TO BRING LOUIS REES-ZAMMIT BACK IN?

"It was pretty straightforward. Him getting some minutes and a full week of training. We know the quality he brings."

AND OLLY CRACKNELL GETS A FIRST START?

"Olly's been great. His experiences with Leicester, he's battle-hardened. He adds that impact. He was delighted to get his first Test cap. And to now get a start, it only helps the group. Even though he hasn't got lots of international experience, he's got lots of rugby experience which will help."

WHAT ABOUT CHANGES IN THE FRONT-ROW?

"It will be good for them to finish the game off. They played really well - Carre and Assiratti. They were excellent in the way they played.

Then you had Nicky Smith and Archie coming off the bench last weekend. It's a six-day turnaround and it's just mixing things up a little bit."

HOW BIG A BLOW WAS LOSING JAC MORGAN?

"It's a pretty big blow. At the end of the day, he's a world-class player and he's our leader. His performance on the weekend was outstanding. He'll be sorely missed.

"Not just the player, but the man will be missed. It creates an opportunity for someone to step in. Dewi Lake has captained the team before. He's so passionate about Wales, he's a great replacement.

"With Jac, it is a blow. I thought in the game there were a couple of blows we forced on ourselves, but that was unforced. It does take a bit out of it, losing Jac. He's had MRIs. He's due to have an operation. We'll see how he comes out of that."

WHAT'S THE THINKING BEHIND TOMMY REFFELL NOT BEING CALLED UP?