New-Look Wales Team To Face Ireland
New-Look Wales Team To Face Ireland
Warren Gatland has named a new-look team to run out against Ireland on Saturday.
Warren Gatland has named a much-changed side from the last test against England for this weekend's clash with Ireland in Cardiff.
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Ireland vs Wales - September 7
If the first two Summer tests were used as opportunities to build up the first XV, this test will see a different Welsh approach. Gatland is using this match vs Ireland as a game for reserve and fringe players to put their hand up for duty come World Cup selection time.
Wales have named their team to face Ireland at @principalitysta on Saturday ??????? Enwir dau chwaraewr di-gap yn y tîm i wynebu Iwerddon yng Nghaerdydd. #HWFN pic.twitter.com/WYXxNfWzGY
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) August 29, 2019
It will be a great chance for players like Owen Lane to make an impression on Gats before he makes his picks for Japan.
The uncapped 21-year old winger has been knocking on the door for that red shirt for a couple of seasons now, and he'll have a prime chance to show what he can do on Saturday.
Josh Navidi, who is certainly not a fringe player, will captain the side for the first time. He moves to No. 8 for this matchup.
Navidi is an exceptional talent who can cover all three positions in the back row, something which could really come in handy during a long World Cup run.
Warren Gatland spoke recently about the challenge of delivering the @rugbyworldcup selection message to his players - something he'll be doing this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/AebjkDTMnc
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) August 29, 2019
James Davies is back following his head-knock suffered at the knee of Maro Itoje two weeks ago. He'll join Navidi in the back row alongside Aaron Shingler.
Steff Evans has seemingly fallen out of favor for club and country over the last year, but Gatland is giving him another shot against Ireland.
The small but shifty and powerful winger will have to prove his defensive abilities can match his attacking abilities to make the RWC team, but he's a talent that can certainly do so.
The highly versatile Hallam Amos fills in at fullback this week. It's easy to forget that Amos, who just graduated from university, is still only 24 years of age. Having made his test debut six years ago, Amos is a guy who's been in the squad for a while now.
Untimely injuries and a back three stacked with talent over the years have limited Amos to just 20 caps thus far, but he's a player that can hold his own at any level. Expect him to put in a good shift against Ireland.
Wales will have one more test after this one, and then it's officially World Cup time. They will want to keep up their winning ways and ride into the big dance on a wave of momentum.