Welsh player Rhys Priestland ruled out from semi-final clash against France - Rugby News
Speculation about France's veteran fly-half, Rhys Priestland, have come to an end as he has been ruled out from the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup 2011 against France. Priestland sustained a shoulder injury during the first knockout match and was expected
to recover from the causality before the next tough competition. However, Welsh coach Warren Gatland informed the media on October 13 that Priestland will not be available for the up coming match and James Hook will wear the number 10 jersey on Saturday.
Wales is taking on France in the first semi-final of Rugby World Cup which is underway since September 9, in New Zealand. The Welsh side crossed the first hurdle of the knock out stages while thumping Ireland in the second quarter final by a comprehensive
margin of 22-10 on October 8. Meanwhile, they received a sever blow in the shape of devastating injury to their regular fly-half.
Gatland revealed his 22-member squad on Thursday and featured only one change in his team that won against Ireland. Gatland appreciated outgoing Ryhs Priestland and said that he has played a vital role in helping the side get into semi-final. He added that,
“Rhys has done everything we have asked of him and more during this World Cup, but, when we have players of the calibre and experience of James Hook and Stephen Jones coming into the squad and starting line-up, there is no sense that Rhys's absence leaves
us any weaker.”
The coach further said that their supporters are expecting huge efforts from their players and his side is committed to produce good results. He stated that, “We know that the people in Wales and the fans that have travelled here are excited about reaching
the semi-finals of the world cup and we are too, but beating France on Saturday must be and will be our sole focus.”
Welsh side will go in the field with following players:
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (capt), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Adam Jones,
2 Huw Bennett, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Paul James, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Ryan Jones, 20 Lee Williams, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Scott Williams.
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