Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny gets final international outing before retirement

Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny has been named in the starting line-up as he prepares to make his final-ever appearance for the national team this weekend.

He announced last week that this clash with the Barbarians would be his last for the country after a 15-year Test career.

Halfpenny made his debut against South Africa in 2008 and has since gone on to earn 101 caps for Wales, which has included three Rugby World Cup campaigns.

The back three player has not called it a day completely though, despite currently being without a club, and he has been linked with moves abroad.

Young wings

The 34-year-old will play his final international match alongside a couple of young wings in the form of Tom Rogers and Rio Dyer.

There is a bit more experience in the midfield where fellow Welsh centurion George North resides. He partners powerhouse carrier Johnny Williams.

At half-back, Tomos Williams combines with youngster Sam Costelow, who will look to impress at number 10 now that Dan Biggar has retired.

Head coach Warren Gatland said: “Playing a Barbarians side filled with quality players is a good challenge for this group and a chance for players to put their hands up and show what they are about.

“It’ll be the last game in a Wales jersey for Leigh Halfpenny but also a chance for fans to see and celebrate Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric playing international rugby one last time.

“We’re looking forward to getting back out in front of a home crowd on Saturday.”

Jac Morgan is once again the captain and features in a loose trio that has plenty of experience as he partners Aaron Wainwright and Dan Lydiate.

Uncapped tightheads

There is just one uncapped player in the starting line-up as Lloyd Fairbrother gets an opportunity at tighthead prop.

He is alongside two World Cup representatives in Dewi Lake and Corey Domachowski in the front-row.

The team is completed by Ben Carter and Adam Beard, who are the second-row duo.

On the bench, there is just one uncapped player and, like the starting XV, it comes at tighthead as Harri O’Connor is selected in the 23.

Elliot Dee and Nicky Smith provide the experience among the replacements but Teddy Williams and Cai Evans will be looking to add to their single cap tally, while Taine Plumtree and Mason Grady have only earned two and six caps respectively.

Scrum-half Kieran Hardy, who has made 18 international appearances to date, completes the 23-man squad.

Wales team to take on the Barbarians

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 George North, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Lloyd Fairbrother, 2 Dewi Lake, 1 Corey Domachowski
Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Cai Evans, 23 Mason Grady

Date: Saturday, November 4
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy), tba
TMO: Tba

READ MORE: ‘Not the right role model’ Michael Hooper starts for Eddie Jones-coached Barbarians side