WALES TEAM TO FACE NEW ZEALAND

Nov 19 • General News, International • 2038 Views • Comments Off on WALES TEAM TO FACE NEW ZEALAND

Wales have named an experienced side to face New Zealand on Saturday with centre Jonathan Davies the only personnel change to the team that started against Australia in the opening Dove Men Series clash.

Davies comes into the midfield to partner Jamie Roberts whilst Warren Gatland also calls upon the returning Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny in the backline.

Halfpenny comes back into the side after missing the Fiji match and links up with try-scorers from that game, George North and Alex Cuthbert in the back-three. Ospreys half-back pair Webb and Biggar are named at nine and 10 respectively.

The pack features the same eight that started against the Wallabies. Paul James, Richard Hibbard and Samson Lee comprise the front-row. Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball start in the second row with captain Sam Warburton, who missed the clash against Fiji, coming back into the side alongside Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau.

“It’s pretty much the same side that played against Australia and it’s a boost to have a few players back from injury,” said Gatland.

“It’s one of the most experienced teams we have put out.

“A couple of decisions have been forced upon us. Gethin Jenkins has a hamstring strain, Bradley Davies hasn’t trained for the first couple of days and Liam Williams had a bit of ankle knock at the weekend and it was a big call on him but he will start on the bench.

“We are expecting another clinical performance from the All Blacks. We need to match their intensity and aggression.

“The players are obviously excited about the opportunity to face the number one side at a packed Millennium Stadium. We have named an experienced team and we are really looking forward to it.”

Ospreys pair Scott Baldwin and Nicky Smith are joined by Rhodri Jones as front-row cover on the bench with Luke Charteris and Justin Tipuric completing the forward contingent. Mike Phillips, James Hook and Liam Williams provide cover for the backline.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND:
Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), George North (Northampton Saints), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys); Paul James (Bath), Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Unattached), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), James Hook (Gloucester), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

Courtesy of Wales Rugby