New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe is relishing the prospect of a first start for Wales against Australia this weekend after fearing his World Cup was over before it had begun.
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Scarlets favourite Liam Williams is named on the wing with George North moving into midfield in a heavyweight partnership with Jamie Roberts.
Luke Charteris partners Alun Wyn Jones in the secondrow and perhaps the most interesting choice is Gatland’s decision to pair captain, Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric in the backrow in the absence of the injured Dan Lydiate.
But injuries sustained by Hallam Amos and Scott Williams during Wales” thrilling 28-25 “Pool of Death’ win over England at Twickenham, just under a fortnight ago, saw Anscombe summoned to join the squad by fellow New Zealander Gatland, along with James Hook.
“I spoke to him on Monday and said if we were playing in the final then I would have picked him this week”. “We’re desperate to win and get a second seed team in the quarter-finals”.
Few expected the injury-hit Welsh to challenge for the quarter-finals, but – qualification guaranteed – Gatland has signalled his intent by naming an unfamiliar starting XV that includes winger George North in the centres. Someone said Henry VIII, but I don’t think he’s ever been here.
What’s the reasoning behind the inclusion of two openside flankers from the start?
“We’ve had a longer turnaround for this Australia game, which has benefited the lads a lot”, Wales’ consultant head of physical performance Paul Stridgeon said.
The winners of Saturday’s match will top the group, with the losers facing two-time world champions South Africa in the quarter-finals.
On the eve of arguably the biggest day in Welsh sport, the lucky pupils were given the opportunity to present the special programme that previews Wales’ Rugby World Cup clash against Australia and the nation’s vital Euro 2016 qualifier against Bosnia. It gives us options and the balance we’ve had.
Dan Biggar of Wales kicks a penalty during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on 26 September, 2015 in London.
Gatland selects from a full Wales squad when he names his team today.
“They are favourites. They played extremely well against England, the best a team has played alongside the All Blacks”, Warburton said of the Wallabies.
Australia: I Folau; A Ashley-Cooper, T Kuridrani, M Giteau, D Mitchell; B Foley, W Genia; S Sio, S Moore, S Kepu; K Douglas, D Mumm; S Fardy, S McMahon, D Pocock.
However, Wales must find a way to end their Wallaby hoodoo after ten defeats in a row against the green and gold.
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Forwards P James, S Baldwin, S Lee, L Charters, AW Jones, S Warburton, T Faletau, J Tipuric.
