Gatland: Wales v Ireland a shoot-out for World Cup places
Warren Gatland has urged his Wales players to prove their Rugby World Cup credentials against Ireland and highlighted a shoot-out for the fly-half position.
Wales have made 14 changes for their warm-up fixture against Ireland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, with Jarrod Evans getting the nod at number 10 and Rhys Patchell among the replacements.
Owen Lane and Rhys Carre will make their Test debuts as Josh Navidi captains the side in their final match before Gatland names his 31-man squad for the tournament in Japan.
James Davies is the only survivor from the team that beat England 13-6 on August 17, while Ireland come into the game following a 57-15 thrashing at the hands of Eddie Jones’ side at Twickenham on Saturday.
“There are a number of positions still up for grabs. Players are well aware of how important this game is and the opportunity they have,” said Gatland.
“They’re under pressure after last week’s performance so it’s a great challenge for us.
“They’re coming here knowing they’ve been criticised, they’ll be hurting. I couldn’t ask for a better game for this group of players.”
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
On the race to compete with Dan Biggar for the fly-half position at the World Cup, Gatland added: “Jarrod gets an opportunity. We know a little bit more about Rhys Patchell, so the pressure is on him [Evans] and he understands that fully.
“It’s about coming out, starting a game and controlling a game. Rhys will get the second half and it’s about him coming on and making an impression.
“The two of them are aware they’ll get the chance and it’s probably a shoot-out between the two of them.”
Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has also rung the changes for the meeting in Cardiff, with Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Jacob Stockdale and Bundee Aki the only players to retain their spot.
Niall Scannell comes in for captain Rory Best, who is named among the replacements, while Johnny Sexton, Keith Earls and Robbie Henshaw miss out again.
Here’s the Ireland team to play Wales on Saturday afternoon.#ShoulderToShoulder #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/4cRDt0cYLp
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 29, 2019
Wales: Hallam Amos, Owen Lane, Scott Williams, Owen Watkin, Steff Evans, Jarrod Evans, Aled Davies; Rhys Carre, Ryan Elias, Samson Lee, Adam Beard, Bradley Davies, Aaron Shingler, James Davies, Josh Navidi.
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Rob Evans, Leon Brown, Jake Ball, Ross Moriarty, Tomos Williams, Rhys Patchell, Jonah Holmes.
Ireland: Will Addison, Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony, Jack Conan.
Replacements: Rory Best, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Jordi Murphy, Luke McGrath, Garry Ringrose, Dave Kearney.
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