Macleod return from injury is a 'massive' boost

WALES boss Matt Sherratt has hailed the return of Josh Macleod as “massive” after selecting the Scarlets flanker for their Test opener in Japan.

- By PHIL BLANCHE

Macleod has been plagued by Achilles and shoulder injuries in recent years and makes his first appearance since the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.

But the Scarlets skipper joins Taulupe Faletau and Alex Mann in the back row for tomorrow's First Test in Kitakyushu, as Sherratt makes 11 changes from the side humbled 68-14 by England in the Six Nations Championship in March.

Faletau, prop Nicky Smith, centre Ben Thomas and fullback Blair Murray are the survivors from that record Cardiff defeat.

"There's a number of players who've worked their way back into the squad,” said Sherratt, who remains in interim charge after replacing Warren Gatland during the Six Nations and is seeking to end a run of 17 consecutive Test defeats for Wales.