The game at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Saturday will be the Gloucester wing’s second cap after he made his debut against France last month.
Here, the 19-year-old Rees-Zammit looks ahead to the game…
Question: What are your emotions looking ahead to your first Wales start?
Louis Rees-Zammit: “I’m very excited. It should be a good game. There are a lot of young boys playing this weekend so it’s a big opportunity for us to put our name on the team sheet for next week or the following weeks coming up. We’re really excited.”
Q: Have you been frustrated by your injuries after making your debut against France?
LRZ: “I’ve had a couple of injuries – shin splints which unfortunately didn’t allow me to play the last few games – but we’ve trained really well this week so I’m back up for selection and luckily got the start this week.”
Louis Rees-Zammit on his Wales debut against France
I’m very excited. There are a lot of young boys playing this weekend so it’s a big opportunity for us
Q: Does the Georgia game feel like a fresh start?
LRZ: “Obviously there are a lot of debuts going on this weekend and a lot of new young boys playing so we’re really excited. We’ve had a good training week. We’re really looking forward to it.”
Q: How have you adapted to the training environment with Wales?
LRZ: “Obviously I was here for Six Nations as well so I know what the intensity is like. It was hard at the start to adapt, but I’ve adapted well now so I’m looking forward to this week.”
Louis Rees-Zammit warms up for Georgia
Q: This is your second Wales camp. Have you found things a bit easier?
LRZ: “I think it’s pretty similar. I’m training hard and trying to get in the team each week. It’s always similar in terms of training because it’s all the same boys and the same mindset to go out there and win on the weekend. It’s not too bad.”
Q: Wayne Pivac has mentioned things you’ve been working on – what are those things?
LRZ: “I’ve been injured for a few weeks so it was just getting intensity back in my legs, then working with the boys again, and getting our game plan underway ready for this weekend.”
Q: Who will you be thinking of and how proud will you be getting your first start?
LRZ: “I am so excited for this weekend and obviously I’ll be thinking of my family because without them I probably wouldn’t be here today. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m just trying to make my family proud. My uncle Paul is very excited for me. I’ve spoken to him a few times and he’s said ‘Go and enjoy it’ so that’s what I’m trying to do.”
We love to hear from the players who have won their first caps, but what does their achievement mean to their families?
After @SamParry2 and @LouisReesZammit made their debuts in Paris, we found out just that. 🏴 #HWFN pic.twitter.com/xcU3WBKny5
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 18, 2020
Q: This is a million miles away from running around Llandaff Fields which you did as a child?
LRZ: “It’s all come so quick. Last year I was in the Under-18’s, playing for my school, playing for my college, and now I’m starting for the Welsh national team. It’s amazing and I can’t wait to play this weekend.
“I just try and work hard on the training field, put my hand up for selection, and thankfully I have this weekend.”
Q: What do you expect from Georgia?
LRZ: “We know they’re going to be very good in the forwards. They’ve got a strong pack. I’m sure they’ll come out of the blocks very fast so we know that’s coming. I obviously know David Humphries from Gloucester. He’s a great bloke so he’s probably looking forward to the match very much.”
Last year I was in the Under-18’s, playing for my school, playing for my college, and now I’m starting for the Welsh national team. It’s amazing.
