Wales make 15 changes to their team to face Ireland

Wales have named a team showing 15 changes for Saturday’s final World Cup preparation game against Ireland in Dublin, recalling captain Alun Wyn Jones to the starting line-up..

He will pack down on Saturday with Jake Ball in the second row with Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty comprising the back row.

Wyn Jones, Elliot Dee and Tomas Francis are the starting front-row for the game at the Aviva Stadium.
Tomos Williams and Rhys Patchell are named at half-back with Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies partnering at centre.

Josh Adams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny form the back-three for Wales. On return from Dublin, Wales will depart for Japan on Wednesday, September 11.

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

”This is our final preparation match so it is important we get enough rugby into us, get rugby ready ahead of our RWC opener against Georgia which is just over two weeks away,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“It is important we hit the ground running in Japan and we give the players enough time on the field.

From the club to the global stage, the honour of making Wales' @rugbyworldcup squad announcement falls to the players' community clubs ??????? Braint rhoi'r llwyfan i'n clybiau cymunedol, a enwebwyd gan y chwaraewyr eu hun. #HWFN pic.twitter.com/YHZKdDXGb3

— Welsh Rugby Union ??????? (@WelshRugbyUnion) September 1, 2019

“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.”

Ken Owen, Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis are named as the front row cover with Adam Beard and Josh Navidi completing the forward contingent.  Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar and Liam Williams provide the backline cover.

Great news for @WelshRugbyUnion fans, @Barbarian_FC fans, @Nigelrefowens fans and rugby fans!

And one to put in your diaries – the match will be live on @Channel4 on 30 November!#C4rugby https://t.co/gZCZeeMNYg

— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) September 5, 2019

WALES (v Ireland, Saturday)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets) (81 Caps)
14. George North (Ospreys) (85 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (75 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (17 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) (13 Caps)
10. Rhys Patchell (Scarlets) (12 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) (8 Caps)
1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (14 Caps)
2. Elliot Dee (Dragons) (21 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (42 Caps)
4. Jake Ball (Scarlets) (35 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (CAPT) (127 Caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (11 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (65 Caps)
8. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) (33 Caps)

Replacements:
16. Ken Owen (Scarlets) (66 Caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (30 Caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) (14 Caps)
19. Adam Beard (Ospreys) (15 Caps)
20. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues) (18 Caps)
21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (43 Caps)
22. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) (72 Cap)
23. Liam Williams (Saracens) (57 Caps)

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