Hill will lead the Wales national team thanks to Grace's debut in the tour match
Cory Hill, the seasoned lock, has been chosen to captain Wales as they face the Queensland Reds in a match set to take place in Brisbane this Friday. The highly anticipated clash will also mark the first appearance of wing sensation Regan Grace on the national side, SSP reported.
While hooker Dewi Lake had previously led Wales in the three summer Tests against South Africa and Australia, he will not be involved in this uncapped tour match. Gareth Davies, the scrum-half from Scarlets, has been named the vice-captain for the game.
Head coach Warren Gatland has initiated multiple changes to the team following their unsuccessful Test series against the Wallabies, which concluded with a 2-0 defeat. Among the starting lineup in Melbourne last weekend, only Cameron Winnett, Rio Dyer, Archie Griffin, Christ Tshiunza, and Taine Plumtree have retained their positions.
Tshiunza, originally a lock, will now demonstrate his skills as a blind-side flanker, while Plumtree takes on the role of open-side flanker – an impressive achievement as he will have started in all three back-row positions throughout the Australia tour. Meanwhile, prop Kemsley Mathias, hooker Evan Lloyd, No. 8 Mackenzie Martin, and center Eddie James are all set to make their first start for Wales in the red jersey. The bench may also see the introduction of hooker Efan Daniel.
Unfortunately, lock Ben Carter and full-back Jacob Beetham will not be able to participate in the game due to injury. Additionally, prop Dillon Lewis, although recovered from a back problem, was not selected because of inadequate training time.
As the final match of an exhausting season, this encounter against the Reds will bring Wales' run of nine internationals to a close. It promises to be an exciting showdown as fans eagerly anticipate the captivating performances of Hill, Grace, and the rest of the team under Gatland's strategic guidance.