DUBLIN – Wales coach Warren Gatland says Saturday's clash with Ireland is a “big opportunity” for his players to secure their spots in his starting side for their World Cup opener against Georgia.
Gatland named an experienced side for their final preparation match with captain Alun Wyn Jones among those players returning for the clash in the Aviva Stadium.
Rhys Patchell will start at fly-half with Tomos Williams at half-back, Leigh Halfpenny at full-back and George North and Josh Adams on the wings. Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies partner at centre.
Alun Wyn Jones is joined in the second-row by Jake Ball with Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty comprising the back-row. The front-row consists of Wyn Jones, Elliot Dee and Tomas Francis.
British and Irish Lions Ken Owens, Dan Biggar and Liam Williams are on the bench.
Wales have named their side for their final preparation match ahead of @rugbyworldcup🏴 Mae'r capten yn dychwelyd i arwain Cymru yn y gêm olaf cyn Cwpan y Byd. #HWFN pic.twitter.com/nTnXUXJKgE
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) September 5, 2019
“It is important we hit the ground running in Japan and we give the players enough time on the field,” Gatland said.
“Saturday is the first time these players would have taken to the field as members of the RWC squad, it has been a big week and it is a big opportunity for players to put their hand up and secure spots for the starting XV in Japan.”
The Wales team is:
15-Leigh Halfpenny, 14-George North, 13-Jonathan Davies, 12-Hadleigh Parkes, 11-Josh Adams, 10-Rhys Patchell, 9-Tomos Williams,
8-Ross Moriarty, 7-Justin Tipuric, 6-Aaron Wainwright, 5-Alun Wyn Jones, 4-Jake Ball, 3-Tomas Francis, 2-Elliot Dee, 1-Wyn Jones