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Rees-Zammit returns to wing as Wales face Fiji / Photo: © AFP
Rees-Zammit returns to wing as Wales face Fiji
Louis Rees-Zammit is back on the wing for Wales's Nations Championship opener against Fiji in Cardiff on Saturday.
Rees-Zammit started all five Six Nations games at full-back this season after playing out wide in the November Tests following his return from an 18-month spell in the NFL.
But the 25-year-old Bristol speedster –- who did not add to his tally of 16 Wales tries when at full-back -- ended the domestic season on the wing after telling Bears coach Pat Lam it was his preferred position.
With their England and France-based players available, Wales make six changes after beating Barbarians 33-31 in an uncapped fixture at Twickenham last weekend.
Rees-Zammit is joined in the backs by fellow wing Josh Adams and scrum-half Tomos Williams, while flanker Alex Mann, lock Adam Beard and prop Rhys Carre are in the pack.
The game is being played at Cardiff City football club's ground after Fiji moved their 'home' fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship for financial reasons.
"It's been awesome to get back into camp and get ready for games," said Wales coach Steve Tandy after naming his side on Thursday.
Wales endured another woeful Six Nations, finishing bottom of the table, although they did end a three-year losing streak in the tournament, spanning 15 matches, with a 31-17 defeat of Italy in Cardiff on March 14 in the final round of matches.
"We want to keep building on the Six Nations and from last weekend as well," Tandy said.
"We've created a lot of momentum and we're looking to hit the ground running on Saturday.
"We love to be in Wales playing games and we're excited to be in Cardiff to start the Nations Championship."
The build-up to the Fiji game has seen the Wales squad in dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over match fees.
But the WRU said on Wednesday the issue had been resolved.
Wales (15-1)
Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan, Alex Mann; Adam Beard, Ben Carter; Dillon Lewis, Dewi Lake (capt), Rhys Carre
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Ellis Mee
Coach: Steve Tandy (WAL)
P. Hansen--BTZ
