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Scarlets winger to make Wales debut as Matt Sherratt names 1st team
By Martyn Thomas
Matt Sherratt made wholesale changes as expected as he named his first starting XV as interim Wales coach, for Saturday's visit of Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations.
Scarlets winger Ellis Mee will make his Test debut while Gloucester duo Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn come in at fly-half and outside centre respectively. Ben Thomas moves from No.10 to 12.
Up front, there is an all-new front row as props Nicky Smith and WillGriff John start either side of hooker Elliot Dee.
Exeter Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins is selected in the second row, while Tommy Reffell makes his first start of the championship at openside flanker with captain Jac Morgan moving to six.
Meanwhile, Harlequins fly-half Jarrod Evans is named among the replacements and will make his first Test appearance since 2021 if called upon from the bench.
Sherratt said: “We’re looking forward to the challenge of facing Ireland.
“We have spoken this week about being brave, but not reckless and making sure everyone knows their roles. We also know that keeping our discipline will be huge.
“Everyone is excited for our first home game of the Six Nations. The atmosphere Wales fans create at Principality Stadium is incredible and playing at home is something the players really look forward to.”
Wales team v Ireland
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 5 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 7 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 5 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
11. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – uncapped)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby – 39 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 61 caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 51 caps)
2. Elliot Dee (Dragons | Dreigiau – 53 caps)
3. WillGriff John (Sale Sharks – 2 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 38 caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 20 caps)
6. Jac Morgan (Ospreys– 20 caps) – captain
7. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 24 caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 105 caps)
Replacements
16. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 7 caps)
17. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 37 caps)
18. Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 6 caps)
19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 3 caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 54 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 7 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 8 caps)
23. Joe Roberts (Scarlets – 2 caps)
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Latest Comments
Realistically only three players definite Bok starters this year - the front row - which comfortably did the job. The rest of the team will not be anywhere in the shakeup for the championship or the incoming tours. Leinster’s young side did very well on this tour. It is obvious that the Leinster are on a different level of coaching and enthusiasm compared to the SA franchises. The No1 Leinster team is essentially Ireland - not one current SA franchise would be represented by more than three players in the Bok line-up. It’s both a strength and a weakness for Ireland. It’s an interesting dynamic.
Go to commentsGOGOGO for the 3peat Black Ferns Legends!😎
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