Wales team to take on the Kings

Jun 7 • General News, International • 2395 Views • Comments Off on Wales team to take on the Kings

Dan Lydiate will captain Wales in their opening game in South Africa against Eastern Province Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday

The British and Irish Lions flanker has recovered from a hamstring injury to lead a match day squad that includes all four uncapped players who have made the journey to South Africa.

Three of those players are named in Warren Gatland’s starting XV with Matthew Morgan lining up at full-back, Steven Shingler at inside centre and Jordan Williams on the wing.

They are joined in the backline by Cardiff Blues duo Alex Cuthbert and Cory Allen as well as James Hook and Rhodri Williams at half back.

In the pack Paul James is named alongside Scott Baldwin and Rhodri Jones in the front-row with Jake Ball and Ian Evans in the second-row. Lydiate is joined by Scarlets Josh Turnbull at flanker with Dan Baker at No 8.

“It’s an opportunity to see a number of squad pull on the Wales jersey and represent their country and see how they handle the game and the pressure,” said Gatland.

“We know how tough the next few weeks are going to be and that starts on Tuesday and we have to be prepared for a big game and hit the ground running.

“We were keen to have this match, to experience a short turn around and replicate what we will face at the World Cup next year.

“That preparation is well under way and Tuesday is a great opportunity for players who have impressed this season and at the trial to stake their claim on the international stage.”

On the bench Matthew Rees is named in a Wales squad for the first time since February 2013 and he is joined by fellow front-row replacements Aaron Jarvis and Samson Lee. Luke Charteris and Aaron Shingler complete the forward contingent. Uncapped Gareth Davies is named amongst the replacements along with George North and Liam Williams.

The match will be screened live in the UK on SkySports.

WALES team to face Eastern Province Kings:
Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Jordan Williams (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Capt) (Racing Metro), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Dan Baker (Ospreys).

Replacements: Matthew Rees (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), George North (Northampton Saints), Liam Williams (Scarlets).