LONDON – Scarlets Centre Scott Williams will captain Wales for the first time in their friendly against Ireland on Saturday with four debutants named in the side for a match which will essentially be a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Rugby World Cup.
Williams will be the 131st captain of Wales and his selection essentially cements his spot in Gatland’s World Cup squad. He will partner Dragon’s centre Tyler Morgan who will make his first appearance in red.
Predictably, Captain Sam Warburton will sit out this week’s trial with Justin Tipuric getting his chance to impress. Tipuric will get a good opportunity to play 80 minutes and showcase the options that coach Warren Gatland has in the back-row.
In a rather inexperienced back row, Ross Moriarty makes his debut and will join Tipuric and Dan Baker in the back row. Eli Walker and Dominic Day will also make their debuts on the wing and at lock respectively
Of the notable inclusions is the half combination with Mike Phillips pairing with pivot James Hook in what will likely be their last opportunities to play for a World Cup spot. On the bench is kiwi born Gareth Anscombe who will likely enter the fray in the second half to put his case forward for a World Cup berth.
Wales team to play Ireland
Hallam Amos, Alex Cuthbert, Tyler Morgan, Scott Williams, Eli Walker; James Hook, Mike Phillips; Nicky Smith, Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis, Jake Ball, Dominic Day, Ross Moriarty, Justin Tipuric, Dan Baker.
Replacements
Rob Evans, Kristian Dacey, Scott Andrews, James King, Taulupe Faletau, Lloyd Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Matthew Morgan