In a bid to arrest an alarming slide that has seen Wales slump to nine consecutive defeats, head coach Warren Gatland has made sweeping changes to his side for Sunday’s autumn international against Fiji in Cardiff. The New Zealander’s selection features seven personnel changes and a positional switch as he desperately seeks a winning formula.
Anscombe Returns at Fly-Half
The headline news sees Gareth Anscombe named at fly-half, making his first Wales appearance since last year’s Rugby World Cup. His inclusion means Sam Costelow drops to the bench, with the experienced Tomos Williams retained at scrum-half.
Debutant Murray Among Back-Three Tweaks
There’s a first cap for Blair Murray on the wing, with Mason Grady shifting to the other flank and Cameron Winnett continuing at fullback. In midfield, Max Llewellyn earns just his third cap, partnering the marginally more seasoned Ben Thomas.
Griffin Gets Rare Start in Changed Pack
Up front, Archie Griffin is handed a golden opportunity to impress at tighthead prop in only his fourth Test match. Skipper Dewi Lake continues at hooker, with Gareth Thomas rounding out the front row. Will Rowlands and Adam Beard partner in the engine room.
The back row has a fresh look, as Aaron Wainwright packs down at No.8, with Taine Plumtree and Tommy Reffell on the flanks. Jac Morgan, an injury doubt earlier in the week, is fit to take his place among the replacements.
We have excellent competition in the squad, so it was a tough selection and there were some close calls but I think there’s a really nice balance for Sunday.
Warren Gatland
Gatland acknowledged the danger posed by the unpredictable Fijians and called on his charges to meet fire with fire at Principality Stadium:
We know how dangerous Fiji can be, so we’ve got to make sure that we bring physicality and are ruthless on Sunday. We need to be switched on for the full 80 minutes.
Warren Gatland
In a fascinating subplot, it’s been revealed that Nigel Owens, the famed former international referee, will join the Wales camp on matchdays in an advisory role to aid their interactions with match officials – a facet of their game that has come under heavy scrutiny during this horrific run of results.
With time running out before next year’s World Cup and the pressure mounting, Gatland will be hoping this new-look Wales side can deliver a morale-boosting victory against the Pacific Islanders. Failure to do so will only amplify the sense of crisis enveloping Welsh rugby. The stage is set for a pivotal showdown in the Welsh capital.
