Wales announces team for Melbourne test – Rugby News Update
Wales has announced the squad that will play Australia in the second of a three-match test series, on Saturday, June 16 at Melbourne.
Rob Howley, the interim coach of Wales in place of Warren Gatland is looking to avenge the first defeat, where Australia beat them 27 – 19 in Brisbane last week. However, the Welsh will carry some momentum into the second test as they overcame the Brumbies
25 – 15 in Canberra on Tuesday.
"After the first Test Australia are obviously in the ascendancy, but the tour is not over by any means and we have all to play for on Saturday," said Howley. "We are bringing three very experienced players into the pack, all three made an impact from the
bench during the first Test which has justified their selection in the starting line-up this weekend.”
Wales have inury concerns to deal with and Howley has made four changes to the side that started the first test. He brought in former captain Ryan Jones for injured No.8 Toby Faletau, while Alun Wyn Jones replaces lock Luke Charteris. Jones captained the
side that defeated the Brumbies on Tuesday.
The other two changes are hooker Matthew Rees coming in for Ken Owens, and Ashley Beck replacing Scott Williams in the centre, set to make his first international start.
Howley said, “We were also impressed with the performances of Ashley Beck, Justin Tipuric, Richard Hibbard and Rhys Webb on Tuesday night and they have each very much played themselves into the squad.”
Wales will also be buoyed by the return of Warren Gatland, their head coach, who has not been part of the squad as yet because he has been nursing a broken ankle in New Zealand. His presence in the squad will give an added verve to the team, and they can
achieve their first victory on Wallabies soil since 1969.
Wales Squad:
Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Ashley Beck, George North; Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (capt), Ryan Jones
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Paul James, Luke Charteris, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, James Hook, Scott Williams
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