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Faletau to captain Wales on return
By Online Editors
Taulupe Faletau will lead Wales for the first time as he returns to the starting line-up as captain for Sunday’s NatWest 6 Nations clash against Italy in Cardiff.
The 70-times capped No. 8 returns from injury to take the captain’s armband and will line-up in a new look back row for Wales with fellow British & Irish Lion Justin Tipuric wearing six with Scarlets flanker James Davies making his international debut at openside.
Experienced Bradley Davies, who has featured in all three opening Six Nations encounters for Wales from the bench, starts alongside Cory Hill in the second-row for the match that is part of a double-header with Wales Women (who kick off at 11:45).
Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis join Elliot Dee in the front-row, the Dragons hooker making his first start for his country.
Gareth Davies partners Gareth Anscombe at half-back with Owen Watkin coming in for his first Six Nations start to partner Hadleigh Parkes in the midfield.
Liam Williams moves to full-back as George North comes into the starting XV to form a back-three alongside Steff Evans.
“It is a great opportunity for Taulupe, he is a world class player, hugely experienced and this will be great for his development and we are looking forward to seeing those leadership qualities come through,” said Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland.
“We have made some changes, but we are bringing in a lot of quality and a lot of experience with the likes of Bradley Davies, Justin Tipuric, George North and Taulupe.
“Add into that James Davies who gets his first cap, Elliot Dee who gets his first start - this is a great opportunity for them to play tournament rugby.
“It is challenging making changes, but we have picked a really exciting team and Sunday is their chance.”
Scarlets trio Rob Evans, Ken Owens and Samson Lee provide the front-row cover with Cardiff Blues duo Seb Davies and Ellis Jenkins completing the forward contingent on the bench.
Scarlets’ Aled Davies, Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny provide the back-line cover.
WALES TEAM TO PLAY ITALY
Liam Williams (Saracens) (46 Caps)
George North (Northampton Saints) (71 Caps)
Owen Watkin (Ospreys) (3 Caps)
Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (4 Caps)
Steff Evans (Scarlets) (8 Caps)
Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues) (14 Caps)
Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (30 Caps)
Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (16 Caps)
Elliot Dee (Dragons) (5 Caps)
Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (29 Caps)
Cory Hill (Dragons) (13 Caps)
Bradley Davies (Ospreys) (60 Caps)
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (55 Caps)
James Davies (Scarlets) (*Uncapped)
Taulupe Faletau (Bath) (70 Caps) (CAPT)
Replacements:
Ken Owens (Scarlets) (55 Caps)
Rob Evans (Scarlets) (23 Caps)
Samson Lee (Scarlets) (37 Caps)
Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues) (3 Caps)
Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) (5 Caps)
Aled Davies (Scarlets) (7 Caps)
Rhys Patchell (Scarlets) (7 Caps)
Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets) (76 Caps)
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Even with absences we still had the cattle to make the playoffs. As it was, we nearly stumbled our way into the top 8. Which shows just how easy it was to get there. And still we failed. As for Razor, there are many instances of him patching up the Crusaders roster. Numerous. Several players I'd never heard of. Also, using AB legend John Afoa was a classic.
But, some of the games we were losing were from schoolboy errors, or downright confusion. Either the players were really dumb (they weren’t) or they were poorly coached. Given the repetitive nature of errors, brain fades, poor decision making, & loose structures, this all lands with the coaching group.
With only six playoff spots now in SR, & Aussie franchises now consolidated to four, 2025 looks like a tight one. I'm picking we'll have to tough it out under Penney & hope for the best.
Go to commentsAgree we need a 10, 12, 13 refresh. ASAP. Well, next season now lol. Reiko should be put back on the wing. He'll be an absolute menace there. Imagine 11 Reiko 14 Clarke 15 Jordan as the backfield unit.
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