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Injuries Give Gatland Scope For Re-jig

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Warren Gatland has shaken up his Wales team for the final match of the Six Nations against Italy. The coach has made four changes to the side that was beaten 25-21 by England at Twickenham – a performance he called unacceptable – although three of them involve injuries.

Warren Gatland has shaken up his Wales team for the final match of the Six Nations against Italy.

The coach has made four changes to the side that was beaten 25-21 by England at Twickenham – a performance he called unacceptable – although three of them involve injuries.

Captain Sam Warburton is out with concussion, so Dan Lydiate takes over as skipper, with Justin Tipuric taking the No.7 shirt.

The armband might have passed to Alun Wyn Jones, but he has been ruled out with a foot injury. Luke Charteris starts in the second row.

Alex Cuthbert – who, like Jones, was well below par against England – is also said to have a heel injury. His absence means Hal Amos comes in on the left wing, with George North switching to the right.

The fourth change sees scrum-half Gareth Davies dropped to the bench to make way for Rhys Webb.

Webb came off the bench to replace Davies at Twickenham, but this will be his first start for his country since he injured his foot last September – also against the Italians – just before last year’s World Cup.

Exeter prop Tomas Francis has been named among the replacement, although he could yet be forced to miss the game as he faces a disciplinary hearing for allegedly making contact with the eye area of England’s Dan Cole.

The replacements include Gethin Jenkins, who returns to the match day squad along with Jake Ball and Ross Moriarty.

Dan Lydiate will captain Wales in a Test for the first time.

Lydiate, who previously captained Wales in a midweek tour match against EP Kings in 2014, will lead Wales for the first time in a Test match.

Front-row trio Rob Evans, Scott Baldwin and Samson Lee pack down for a fifth consecutive Six Nations match together.

In the backline Webb partners Dan Biggar at 10. It is an unchanged midfield with Jamie Roberts partnering Jonathan Davies. Liam Williams continues at full-back.

Gatland said: “This weekend it is all about finishing off the tournament well and putting in a big performance.

“We are disappointed with last week, especially the first half but a win on Saturday will see us finish the tournament in second and we have to aim for that now.

“There are a number of changes, a couple injury enforced.  Alun Wyn Jones has a foot problem that we have been managing for a while and he has played a lot of games.  We have given Sam Warburton the week off, we decided not to push him through all the return to play protocols and we have also been managing a heel injury with Alex (Cuthbert) so Hallam comes on to the left wing.

“It’s good to see Rhys (Webb) back and starting, it’s a good opportunity for him. Saturday is a good chance for some of the players to redeem themselves and we are looking for a big performance.

“I’ve been involved in a couple of times when Dan (Lydiate) has captained the midweek sides and he jumped at the opportunity this weekend and it will be good to see how he goes.”

Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins and Francis are named as the front row replacements.  Jake Ball and Ross Moriarty complete the forward contingent.  Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland and Gareth Anscombe provide the backline cover.

Wales team to play Italy:
Liam Williams (Scarlets), George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys, Capt), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs / Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys)*, Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues).

 

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