Gatland names experimental side for Washington DC game
Ellis Jenkins will captain Wales for the first time on Saturday when he leads his country against South Africa in Washington D.C.
The former Wales U20 skipper will line up alongside Seb Davies and Ross Moriarty in the back-row as Wales take on the Springboks in their opening summer tour encounter.
Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee and Dillon Lewis start in the front-row with Bradley Davies and Cory Hill packing down in the second-row.
Owen Watkin and George North are named in the centre, with North making his 4th start in the midfield for Wales.
Scarlets pair Steff Evans and Tom Prydie are named on the wing with Prydie making his first international appearance since the summer of 2013. Hallam Amos starts at full-back.
“Saturday is a huge opportunity for this squad and for players individually,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.
“Everything we are doing is geared for the RWC in 15 months’ time and the next three matches are a hugely important part of our development.
“This weekend is an opportunity for players to build on their test rugby experience and lay a marker down for the jersey and for the position going forward.
“I think there are exciting selections across the team and I’m looking forward to Saturday to see what we are able to do against the Springboks.”
Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones and Rhodri Jones provide the forward cover on the bench. Adam Beard and uncapped flanker Aaron Wainwright complete the forward contingent. Aled Davies, Rhys Patchell and Hadleigh Parkes are named as the backline cover. (Patchell will undergo a fitness test ahead of the game with Gareth Davies providing cover if he does not come through the session).
WALES TEAM TO PLAY SOUTH AFRICA
15. Hallam Amos (15 Caps)
14. Tom Prydie (7 Caps)
13. George North (73 Caps)
12. Owen Watkin (4 Caps)
11. Steff Evans (9 Caps)
10. Gareth Anscombe (15 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (*Uncapped)
1. Nicky Smith (18 Caps)
2. Elliot Dee (7 Caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (2 Caps)
4. Bradley Davies (62 Caps)
5. Cory Hill (15 Caps)
6. Seb Davies (4 Caps)
7. Ellis Jenkins (6 Caps) (CAPT)
8. Ross Moriarty (20 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Ryan Elias (2 Caps)
17. Wyn Jones (8 Caps)
18. Rhodri Jones (16 Caps)
19. Adam Beard (2 Caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (*Uncapped)
21. Aled Davies (8 Caps)
22. Rhys Patchell (8 Caps) / Gareth Davies (32 Caps)
23. Hadleigh Parkes (6 Caps)
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Can we also show some love for Tane Edmed’s fantastic draw and pass? Put his body on the line and committed the defender before letting go of that pass. Flawless skill.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
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