Mitchell set to tackle Japan

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs prop Craig Mitchell has been named on the bench for Wales ahead of their second Test with Japan in Tokyo.

The 27-year-old forward - who has 14 international caps to his name - was forced to sit out last weekend's 22-18 victory in Osaka because of an ankle flare-up.

However, that problem has now been resolved and the former Ospreys star will be hoping to play some part for the Welsh, who show four changes to their starting line-up from that of last weekend.

Cardiff Blues flanker Josh Navidi will make his Wales debut at open-side in place of James King, who replaces Andrew Coombs at blind-side flanker, while Andries Pretorius comes in for Rob McCusker at number eight. Prop Rhys Gill replaces Ryan Bevington, while Tom Prydie is in for Dafydd Howells on the wing.

"We were proud of the side's effort last weekend but know we will have to step it up again on Saturday," said Wales caretaker coach Robin McBryde. "It was good to see the character of the squad come through in the first Test and we will need that again.

"The players have again all put their hands up for selection, making it a tough call for us and that shows their determination to get out on the field and represent their country. Japan showed what they are capable of last weekend and we know we will have to be at our best to get the second victory and finish the season on a high."

Picture: Getty Images

Blues lock Bradley Davies again captains the side and continues his partnership with regional team-mate Lou Reed in the second row.
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Japan, meanwhile, make just one starting change with fit-again captain Toshiaki Hirose replacing young try-scorer Yoshikazu Fujita on the wing. Fujita drops to the bench with record cap holder Hirotoki Onozawa left out of the squad. Two other changes on the bench bring in forwards Shinya Makabe and Justin Ives instead of Toshizumi Kitagawa and Ryuta Yasui.

Wales: Liam Williams (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Blues), Owen Williams (Blues), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys), Tom Prydie (Dragons), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Scott Andrews (Blues), Bradley Davies (CAPT) (Blues), Lou Reed (Blues), James King (Ospreys), Josh Navidi (Blues), Andries Pretorius (Blues).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Rhys Patchell (Blues), Dafydd Howells (Ospreys).