Wales v Australia: Josh Adams picked ahead of Liam Williams
Last updated on .From the section Welsh Rugby
| Autumn International: Wales v Australia |
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| Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 10 November Kick-off: 17:20 GMT |
| Coverage: Live on BBC Two, S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport website and app. |
Wales have picked Worcester wing Josh Adams ahead of British and Irish Lions star Liam Williams for Saturday's Test against Australia.
Adams replaces Luke Morgan as one of three changes from the team that beat Scotland, while Williams is joined on the bench by fly-half Dan Biggar as Gareth Anscombe stays at 10.
Tight-head prop Tomas Francis is recalled in place of Dillon Lewis.
The third change sees Adam Beard replace Cory Hill in the second row.
Williams, Adams, Francis and Biggar were all unavailable last weekend against Scotland because they play for English clubs, and the match fell outside World Rugby's international window.
Saracens back Williams had been tipped to slot into the back three alongside Leigh Halfpenny and George North.
Anscombe has been given another chance at fly-half despite the availability of Northampton's Biggar with Rhys Patchell also having passed concussion protocol tests.
With Samson Lee still ruled out with a hamstring injury, Exeter tight-head Francis starts ahead of Lewis who is named among the replacements.
The other change in the forwards sees Beard form an all-Ospreys second-row partnership with Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones.
Forwards coach Robin McBryde singled out Beard for praise on Monday following his replacement performance against Scotland. He edges out Dragons skipper Hill who was Wales' summer tour co-captain with Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins, who has himself recovered from a shoulder injury.
Jenkins is on the bench after back-row trio Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty impressed last weekend.
It's not about creating hype - Gatland
Head coach Warren Gatland said building a squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan influenced his thinking on selection.
"There is some continuity from last week and we wanted to reward the boys that toured in the summer," he said.
"Josh had a particularly good tour and we wanted to give him another opportunity.
"We know the capabilities of Liam Williams and Josh getting an opportunity against a quality side like Australia gives us another chance to look at him.
"Gareth has retained the 10 jersey, It wasn't about being a close call. We know what a quality player Dan (Biggar) is, we know what his strengths are.
"Again, it was sending a message to Gareth that we didn't want to just pick you for one game and then put you on the bench.
"It is not about creating a press hype about a big decision about leaving Dan Biggar out, it is about us thinking about what is important for the team now and building depth in the squad and thinking about the next eight to 10 months."
Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Jonathan Davies, Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams; Gareth Anscombe, Gareth Davies; Nicky Smith, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Rob Evans, Dillon Lewis, Cory Hill, Ellis Jenkins, Tomos Williams, Dan Biggar, Liam Williams
Australia: Dane Haylett-Petty; Israel Folau, Samu Kerevi, Kurtley Beale, Sefa Naivalu; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Izack Rodda, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper (capt), David Pocock
Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Ned Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Matt To'omua, Jack Maddocks.
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Comments
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Ah well, English as a second language maybe?
Must be the wrong word, because I've looked back through every post, and I can't find any example of arrogance.
Funnily enough, I did find one instance of idiocy.....
3 minutes ago
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Who's being arrogant? Some Wales supporters are forecasting a win - as much in hope as in expectation - and others are saying the Aussies will be too good. And just because we haven't beaten OZ for a while doesn't mean we won't do so on Sat. Surely everyone's allowed to be optimistic about their team's chances. We'll have a good side out.
2 minutes ago
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I think it is good enough to win - but won't if they don't stop hoofing the ball aimlessly up the pitch and inviting the oppo to run it back at us. Got away with it last Sat. Won't if we do it again this Sat.
Doesn't usually happen with Wales, with subs coming on in the 60th minute & Wales falling apart, with scrums going backwards & line-outs lost.
Wonder if he was poached from England as well
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Do you mean Josh Adams? Have you heard his accent..
This test could be a real classic because Australia have leaked lots of points this year.
Disappointed that Dillon Lewis is not given further exposure to international rugby, in a game that we do not have to win and where the performance and experience is more important than the result
Anscombe at 10 has to be the right call
9 minutes ago
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For once, someone with a valid point, rather than unconstructive rudeness. You're right, Stuart. As a Wales supporter, that's my fear. Anscombe and Davies may boot the ball into the Aussies' arms. If they do, we'll quickly come unstuck. Let's hope WG has had a word since last Sat.
Impact from Evans, Hill, Jenkins up front with Biggar and Sanjay coming on in the backs will allow us to compete with the top tier nations.
Lydiate and Tipuric will need another 15+ tackle game each, hit them at the gain line and pressure Foley at 10. If Wales do that they have a serious chance.
Just read your comment about Josh Adams and his accent. The Vunipolla brothers have a strong Welsh accent too. Their circumstances surely show up the 'bonkers rules' of national qualification like no others! Born in NZ of (Tongan?) parents, brought up as youngsters in South Wales, yet they play for England!!