Wainwright and Reffell have a big role from bench – Sherratt

MATT Sherratt has explained the bold back-row call that has seen Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell named on the bench for the first Test against Japan in Kitakyushu tomorrow (6am UK).

- BEN JAMES Rugby writer [e-mail]

The pair have 84 caps between them, but Sherratt has turned to Cardiff blindside Alex Mann and Scarlets openside Josh Macleod to pack down with Taulupe Faletau in the back-row. Faletau accounts for 108 of the Welsh back-row's 115 Test caps - with it being one of the few places where Eddie Jones' inexperienced Japan boast more international appearances.

Few would have predicted a starting lineup without either Wainwright or Reffell ahead of this summer's tour.

Wainwright was one of Wales' standout players in 2024, while Reffell seemed the obvious openside with Jac Morgan in Australia on Lions duty.

"We wanted to reward players who had performed for their clubs," said Sherratt about naming Scarlets captain Macleod in his starting XV.

"I think Josh and Johnny (Williams) have had really good seasons for the Scarlets.

"Josh has had some real ups and downs in terms of injures. The last time he was in the squad was 2022.