At 24, with no caps to his name and a reputation for relentless speed and aggression, Harri Deaves is about to step onto one of rugby’s grandest stages — the Principality Stadium in Cardiff — to face the New Zealand All Blacks. His debut, confirmed on November 21, 2024, isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a statement. Wales, fresh off a 24-23 last-gasp win over Japan, is betting big on raw energy over experience. And Deaves, the uncapped openside flanker from the Ospreys, is that bet.
Why This Debut Matters
Wales hadn’t won a home match in over a year. Ten straight losses at the Principality Stadium had fans wondering if the team had lost its fight. Then came November 16 — a thrilling, nerve-shredding 24-23 victory over Japan, sealed by a last-minute try. It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough. Coach Steve Tandy didn’t rest on that win. Instead, he made five changes, five bold ones. And the biggest? Giving the starting openside flanker role to Deaves, a player who’s never worn the red jersey in international play.
Deaves isn’t a flashy name from the academy system. He’s a workhorse. At the Ospreys’ home ground in Swansea, he’s been a turnover machine — 18 tackles, 7 breakdowns won, and 4 turnovers in his last four United Rugby Championship appearances. His game isn’t about glitz. It’s about grit. And against the All Blacks, who dominate the breakdown like no other team, that’s exactly what Wales needs.
The New Back Row: Speed Over Size
Deaves will start alongside Alex Mann (blindside) and Aaron Wainwright (No. 8), forming a back row built for pace, not bulk. Wainwright, a veteran of 42 caps, brings leadership. Mann, steady and physical, anchors the lineout. But Deaves? He’s the wildcard. At 6’0" and 102kg, he’s not the biggest openside, but his footwork and anticipation are elite. He reads the game like a chess player — not a brawler.
"We obviously want to improve the performance from Japan," Tandy said after the team announcement. "The All Blacks don’t give you second chances. If we’re going to compete, we need to be quicker, sharper, and hungrier." That’s why Deaves was chosen over the more experienced Will Jones or Tomos Williams, who were both rested after injury.
Changes Across the Backline
It wasn’t just the forwards. The backline got a shake-up too. Joe Hawkins returns at inside centre — his first Wales appearance since the 2023 Six Nations. He’s a playmaker with a sharp pass and a knack for finding space. Replacing him is Josh Adams, the talismanic winger banned after a red card against Japan. His absence opens the door for Tom Rogers, a proven finisher who’s scored 12 tries in 18 appearances for Wales.
On the bench, another debut looms. Hooker Brodie Coghlan, 23, could make his first appearance — a sign Wales is preparing for the long haul. And loosehead prop Gareth Thomas, 26, will finally wear the red jersey after years of waiting, stepping in for injured starter Leon Brown.
The Referees and the Stage
The match kicks off at 15:10 GMT on Saturday, November 22, 2024, under the whistle of Hollie Davidson, Scotland’s top international referee — and one of only three women to officiate at the highest level in men’s Test rugby. Her presence adds another layer of significance. Assisting her are Italian duo Andrea Piardi and Gianluca Gnecchi, with English TMO Ian Tempest overseeing video reviews.
It’s not just a game. It’s a test of identity. Wales is rebuilding. The All Blacks? They’re hungry to erase the memory of their 2023 World Cup exit. This isn’t a warm-up. It’s a statement match.
What Comes Next
After this, Wales faces the South Africa Springboks on November 30, 2024 — world champions and the toughest test in rugby. If Deaves can hold his own against New Zealand, he’ll be in the frame for that one too. The 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia is still three years away, but these November matches are the first bricks in that foundation.
For now, the spotlight is on Cardiff. On a young flanker with nothing to lose and everything to prove. On a team that’s tired of losing at home. And on a nation hoping this debut isn’t just a moment — but a movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Harri Deaves and why is his debut significant?
Harri Deaves is a 24-year-old openside flanker from the Ospreys, making his first international start for Wales against the All Blacks on November 22, 2024. His debut is significant because he’s uncapped, replacing experienced players, and embodies Wales’ shift toward speed and aggression after a 10-match home losing streak. His breakdown skills and work rate are seen as critical to countering New Zealand’s physicality.
What changes did Wales make to their lineup after beating Japan?
Wales made five changes: Harri Deaves started at openside flanker, Joe Hawkins returned at inside centre, Tom Rogers replaced banned winger Josh Adams, Brodie Coghlan and Gareth Thomas were named as potential debutants on the bench, and Dewi Lake captained the side from hooker. These shifts prioritized pace and fitness over experience after a narrow 24-23 win over Japan.
Why was Josh Adams banned, and how does his absence affect Wales?
Josh Adams received a red card in the Japan match for a high tackle, resulting in a three-week suspension. His absence removes Wales’ most consistent try-scorer since 2022 — he has 19 tries in 31 caps. Tom Rogers, his replacement, is a solid finisher but lacks Adams’ experience in high-pressure Test matches, leaving a gap in the back three.
How does this match fit into Wales’ broader goals for 2024–2027?
This match is part of Wales’ Autumn Nations Series, designed to build momentum ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. With a new generation of players like Deaves and Coghlan being tested, Wales is identifying core players for the next cycle. A strong performance against New Zealand could accelerate their transition from rebuilding to contender status.
Who is officiating the match, and why is it notable?
Scottish referee Hollie Davidson is the first woman to officiate a men’s Test between Wales and the All Blacks. She’s joined by Italian assistants Andrea Piardi and Gianluca Gnecchi, and English TMO Ian Tempest. Her appointment reflects World Rugby’s push for gender diversity in top-tier officiating and adds historic weight to an already high-stakes match.
What’s the significance of the Principality Stadium in this context?
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff has been Wales’ fortress — until recently. After 10 straight home losses, the Japan win was their first victory there since November 2023. This match against the All Blacks is the first chance to prove that win wasn’t a fluke. A win here would signal a true turnaround in Welsh rugby’s home form and energize the fanbase ahead of the South Africa clash.