INTERIM WALES HEAD coach Matt Sherratt has drafted fresh Gloucester call-ups Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn straight into his starting lineup to face Ireland at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday (2:15pm, Virgin Media One).
The experienced Anscombe takes the reins at out-half with Ben Thomas, who started Wales’ opening two Six Nations defeats at 10, shifting to his more conventional position of inside centre where he’ll form a midfield partnership with Llewellyn.
With veteran wing Josh Adams ruled out through injury, Scarlets stepper Ellis Mee, 21, earns his first cap on the left wing.
Captain Jac Morgan moves across to blindside flanker with Tommy Reffell given his first start of the campaign at openside. Talupe Faletau completes the Welsh back row at eight.
In the front row, loosehead Nicky Smith also makes his first start of this year’s Six Nations, as does hooker Elliot Dee. WillGriff John, meanwhile, will make his Six Nations debut on Saturday as he starts at tighthead.
Cardiff out-half Jarrod Evans is named among the replacements and could make his first appearance for Wales since the summer of 2021.
Head coach Sherratt said that Wales are “looking forward to the challenge of facing Ireland”.
“We have spoken this week about being brave but not reckless”, added Sherratt, “and making sure everyone knows their roles. We also know that keeping our discipline will be huge.
“Everyone is excited for our first home game of the Six Nations. The atmosphere Wales fans create at Principality Stadium is incredible and playing at home is something the players really look forward to.”
Wales (v Ireland)
15. Blair Murray
14. Tom Rogers
13. Max Llewellyn
12. Ben Thomas
11. Ellis Mee
10. Gareth Anscombe
9. Tomos Williams
1. Nicky Smith
2. Elliot Dee
3. WillGriff John
4. Will Rowlands
5. Dafydd Jenkins
6. Jac Morgan (Captain)
7. Tommy Reffell
8. Taulupe Faletau
Replacements
16. Evan Lloyd
17. Gareth Thomas
18. Henry Thomas
19. Teddy Williams
20. Aaron Wainwright
21. Rhodri Williams
22. Jarrod Evans
23. Joe Roberts
James French is in the academy and he was an Irish u20 international. Keep investing in youth
@Patrick O Connell: James French is also injured
@Aaron: cheers, didn’t know that
As long as Cronin stays fit they may aswell back Wycherley as cover. In a pinch, John Ryan could probably switch back across to LH if needed too.
@Johnny 5: with Archer, Roman and Knox covering the tight head
@Johnny 5: I think with Ryan likely to remain involved with Ireland, depending on 2 LHs probably leaves things a bit tight. Even if someone was brought in and they were only there behind Cronin and Wycherley it’d be the right thing to do. Even a small injury to either leaves Munster in a lot of bother.
@Jim Demps: You don’t fancy giving James French a try?
@Kevin Ryan: I’m open to correction but he switched to TH over a year ago.
@Jim Demps: I certainly don’t have info to the contrary. That’s a shame though (imo), both because of the current need for a LH, and the signing of Salanoa (in addition to Knox) of a similar age suggests it will be tough for French to break through at TH
@Kevin Ryan: I guess at the time of the move there’d have been less of a need for a LH with probably 5 guys ahead of him, 3 of whom are of a young age. On the TH side another 1 or 2 years will see archer gone and Ryan getting on so there’s plenty of room for both Salanoa, Knox and French.
@Jim Demps: French is injured anyway
Great to hear Wiggys input. So refreshing to hear a coach not use endless cliché s.
It’s great to see Munster trust their young home grown players, it will do the players and the team the world of good in the long run.