Wales Team to Face Australia Announced

Wales Make Four Changes For Wallabies Test

Wales have made four changes – all to the pack – for the final clash of the 2012 Dove Men Series, against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm)

In the front row prop Scott Andrews, is handed his second Wales start and he is joined by prop Gethin Jenkins. Jenkins, who has been released by the French club for the fixture which falls outside the IRB international window, replaces Bath’s Paul James, who by contrast has been made unavailable. Elsewhere lock Ian Evans completes his return from injury to replace Bradley Davies and flanker Aaron Shingler replaces, Ryan Jones, in the back row.

The same backline which started against New Zealand last time out is selected, with fly-half Dan Biggar coming in for another player returning to his club, Perpignan’s James Hook. Uncapped tight-head Samson Lee has the potential to make his international debut after joining the training squad on a full time basis this week in the final change to the match-day 23.

“We need to pick up again where we left off in the second half last week” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland. “We managed to retain 73% possession after the break against the All Blacks and win the territory battle, and we need to put Australia under similar pressure from the outset."

“We have played them regularly over the last couple of years and have come close to winning on a number of occasions, but have not quite been able to get ourselves over the chalk of the finish line. Both sides have had injuries to cope with, but there is every reason for optimism. The Millennium Stadium crowd will be in full voice again, they were outstanding last week, and we are aiming to reach the end of a tough series on Saturday and finish off on a high.”

WALES SQUADLeigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams, Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Scott Andrews, Ian Evans, Luke Charteris, Aaron Shingler, Sam Warburton (captain), Toby Faletau.

REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Ryan Bevington, Samson Lee, Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric, Tavis Knoyle, Dan Biggar, Scott Williams.

Posted in: