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Warren Gatland makes 4 changes for Wales' last hope of 2024 win
By Josh Raisey
Warren Gatland has made four changes to his Wales side in their final chance to register a win in 2024 against the world champions South Africa.
Two changes have been made in the pack and another two in the backline from the side that were comprehensively beaten by Australia on Sunday.
The injured Adam Beard has been replaced by Christ Tshiunza in the second-row, while No 8 Aaron Wainwright is out of the squad entirely. Taine Plumtree will start in his place at the back of the scrum.
Another veteran is out entirely in the backline, with Gareth Anscombe being replaced by Sam Costelow at fly-half. With centre Ben Thomas providing cover at No 10, Gatland opted to go without a playmaker on the bench, with Josh Hathaway joining the replacements. Full-back Hathaway will be joined by his Gloucester team-mate Freddie Thomas among the substitutes, who will win his first cap should he come on.
The final change to the starting XV sees Rio Dyer start on the wing, with Blair Murray shifting to full-back to take Cameron Winnett's place.
"Last week’s result hurts and we are just as disappointed by it as the fans," said Gatland.
"Our focus now is on training and preparing well for our final game of this Autumn Nations Series.
“There were good elements that we can definitely build on going into Saturday, but we have to improve our accuracy.
“We know what a quality side South Africa are and the physicality they bring. This week we need to show real courage and front up against the world champions.”
Wales XV
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 2 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 5 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 4 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – 22 caps)
10. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 17 caps)
9. Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 35 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 17 caps) captain
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 5 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 35 caps)
5. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs – 14 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 17 caps)
8. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 6 caps)
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 43 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 48 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – uncapped)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 22 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 4 caps)
22. Eddie James (Scarlets – 2 caps)
23. Josh Hathaway (Gloucester Rugby – 1 cap)
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Latest Comments
Yep NZ national u85 team is touring there atm I think (or just has).
Go to commentsWhat are they gonna do with the 500k and what does that achieve? They could dump the whole side and pick amateurs and save 10million, but what is that going to achieve?
The problem it feels like to me is I didn't hear what Gatland is going to do in order to win the 6N next year. How is he helping the problem. It just sounds like they're expecting miracles and for Gatland to turn around the national teams results, but what good is that when you're not fixing any of the problems and you'll just be back where you were when Gatland and the old players leave?
I think you are totally wrong in your stance. Wales abosolutely need to spend that 500k by investing in their future, it just doesn't sound like theyre giving Gatland any more resources to do it with. They're not using that 500k very well.
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