Disgraced forward handed Wales captaincy by Warren Gatland while ex-rugby league sensation makes debut against Reds
Warren Gatland has named his Wales side to take on the Reds in an uncapped clash on Friday, controversially selecting Cory Hill as the captain.
The 32-year-old was a shock pick for the tour to Australia having not played for the national team since an incident in 2021.
Three years ago, Hill was named as being among a group of men who damaged a woman’s house after thinking they had gone to the home of an acquaintance of one of the trio.
The Wales lock was not charged by police but the woman stated that she feared for her and her children’s lives during the incident.
International comeback
Hill made his Test return against the Wallabies, featuring twice off the bench as Wales succumbed to a 2-0 series defeat.
He will now make his first start since 2021 and has surprisingly been awarded the captaincy by Gatland as the Welshmen seek to end their tour on a high.
It is a strong XV featuring some well known faces, but there is also the presence of the uncapped Regan Grace, who will feature in his first game for the national team.
In fact, it will be Grace’s first professional rugby union match having struggled with injury since switching codes.
The 27-year-old, who was a star in league, starts on the left wing and joins Cameron Winnett and Rio Dyer in the back three, with Eddie James and Nick Tompkins at centre.
Sam Costelow, who was on the bench for the two Australia Tests, returns at fly-half and he combines with the experienced Gareth Davies in the decision-making positions.
In the pack, Mackenzie Martin is given a shot in a loose trio which also contains flankers Taine Plumtree and Christ Tshiunza.
Meanwhile, Archie Griffin continues at tighthead with Kemsley Mathias, Evan Lloyd and Matthew Screech handed an opportunity in the front five.
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“We said that we want the players that have come out here on tour to have an involvement whether that is starting or in the 23. That was always the plan,” Gatland said.
“Unfortunately a few players miss out due to injury, but this game against the Queensland Reds gives a number of others an opportunity to go out and put in a performance.
“I’ve been pleased with the growth we’ve seen in the squad over the last three or four weeks and that growth will continue.
“I’m looking to see us stay in the moment and keep scanning for opportunities as well as being alert to threats. Little efforts will make the difference.”
Wales team to face the Reds
Wales: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Rio Dyer, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Eddie James, 11 Regan Grace, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Mackenzie Martin, 7 Taine Plumtree, 6 Christ Tshiunza, 5 Cory Hill (c), 4 Matthew Screech, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Evan Lloyd, 1 Kemsley Mathias
Replacements: 16 Efan Daniel, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Dafydd Jenkins, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Ben Thomas, 23 Mason Grady
Date: Friday, July 19
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19:55 local (10:55 BST, 09:55 GMT)
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