Wales lock Adam Beard is preparing for a return to San Juan, Argentina, a location where he previously experienced victory. Beard was part of the Wales squad that secured a 23-10 win against the Pumas in San Juan eight years ago. This upcoming Saturday, Wales will face Argentina at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, a venue with a capacity of just over 25,000.
Several players from that 2018 winning side are in the current squad. Josh Adams and Dillon Lewis both started in the previous fixture. Aaron Wainwright made his Test debut off the bench in that game, while hooker Ryan Elias, who is set to earn his 50th cap this weekend, was also a replacement. Tomos Williams was an unused scrum-half in the 2018 match.
Beard reflected on the passage of time, stating, “It’s great to be back here eight years after the last time and how quick that time has gone, it’s crazy.” He acknowledged Argentina as a proud nation with a strong rugby side and expressed hope for a positive result this weekend, despite changes in the squad since their last visit. Beard also noted the potentially hostile atmosphere of the crowd, describing such events as desirable experiences for rugby players.
Overcoming Six Nations adversity
Beard is set to earn his 67th cap this Saturday. He has worked to maintain his place in the Wales team over the past year, particularly after a challenging performance against France during the Six Nations. During that match, a mistake by Beard contributed to a French try, leading to his placement on the replacements bench for the remainder of the tournament, with Ben Carter partnering Dafydd Jenkins.
Beard described the start of the Six Nations as “not great for myself probably, especially that France performance.” He admitted the performance was not up to his standards and involved “costly mistakes.” He used the time to reflect and adapt to a different role coming off the bench.
With Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Beard returned to the starting lineup for Wales’ opening Nations Championship victory against Fiji. He expressed his desire to enjoy playing for Wales again, noting the strong competition among second-row players in the country.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy, who also coached Beard at the Ospreys, praised Beard’s reaction to his earlier challenges. Tandy remarked that Beard’s performance against Fiji was “one of his best games for us last weekend” and highlighted his drive to regain his spot in the team.
Beard’s season will conclude after the upcoming matches against Argentina and South Africa in Durban next weekend. He recently joined the Wales squad after his first season with French club Montpellier, which included a Challenge Cup success and reaching the Top 14 final, where they lost to Toulouse.
Beard described his move to Montpellier as “probably the best decision I’ve made rugby wise so far for myself and my family.” He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving the Ospreys, where he had been since he was 14, but felt it was a move he would have regretted not making. He views playing in France as a demanding but rewarding experience, citing the physicality of the league and the passionate support.
Squad changes for Argentina fixture
Steve Tandy has made three changes to the Wales team that defeated Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium. Ellis Mee will start on the wing for the trip to San Juan, with Louis Rees-Zammit moving to the bench. James Botham is named at blindside flanker, replacing Alex Mann.
Sam Costelow will start at fly-half. Ryan Elias is among the replacements and is in line to earn his 50th Wales cap, while Kane James is also on the bench, aiming for his senior international debut.
The Wales starting XV includes Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams, Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams, Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake (captain), Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Adam Beard, James Botham, Jac Morgan, and Aaron Wainwright. The replacements are Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, Teddy Williams, Kane James, Kieran Hardy, Max Llewellyn, and Louis Rees-Zammit.
Argentina’s lineup features S Carreras, Delguy, Cinti, Piccardo, M Carreras, Albornoz, Garcia, Wenger, Montoya (captain), Rapetti, Petti, Alemanno, Grondona, Kremer, and Oviedo. Their replacements include Ruiz, Vivas, Coria Marchetti, Molina, Matera, Benitez Cruz, Moroni, and Ignacio.
Tandy explained that the team changes aim to freshen up the squad while maintaining cohesion. He noted that Ellis Mee played well against Italy and has been performing outstandingly. Tandy also highlighted the competition between Sam Costelow and Dan Edwards at fly-half, stating that Costelow was outstanding against Scotland and thoroughly deserves his starting spot.
Tandy praised Kane James, describing him as an “exciting player” who is “powerful and quick” and has integrated well into the team environment. He also commended Ryan Elias’s resilience and leadership, calling his achievement of 50 caps “unbelievable.” The match against Argentina is scheduled for Saturday, 11 July, at 20:10 BST.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Leo Ashworth is a Sports News Writer at Latest News UK. He cut his teeth on regional sport before specialising in fast breaking-news writing. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Newcastle, he follows the European Tour and boxes at an amateur gym. “Get it right first, then tell readers why it matters.”