Wales team: Key back injured while Warren Gatland brings in Jac Morgan as back-rowers pay price following ‘honest’ Fiji review
Wales head coach Warren Gatland alongside Jac Morgan, who is in action against Fiji.
Head coach Warren Gatland has made four changes to the Wales side that suffered a defeat against Fiji in Cardiff for this weekend’s clash with Australia.
The Welshmen sustained a 24-19 loss to the Pacific Islanders for their 10th successive Test reversal and they have responded by making alterations in both forwards and backs.
In the backline, Tom Rogers and Ellis Bevan come into the XV in place of Mason Grady and the experienced Tomos Williams respectively, who both picked up injuries against the Flying Fijians.
Rogers partners Cameron Winnett and try-scoring debutant Blair Murray in the back three, while Bevan is alongside Gareth Anscombe at half-back.
The centres remain the same, however, with Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn once again combining in the midfield.
Taine Plumtree axed
Up front, Gatland has significantly changed the make-up of the back-row with number eight Aaron Wainwright the only person to remain in the XV from the Fiji loss.
Jac Morgan, who starred for Wales in 2023, will makes his first Test start since the Rugby World Cup, and combines with James Botham at flanker as Taine Plumtree is ousted.
The front five stays the same as Adam Beard and Will Rowlands are once again the lock pairing, with props Archie Griffin and Gareth Thomas either side of captain Dewi Lake in the front-row.
On the bench, there are three changes, including dropped openside Tommy Reffell, with Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti and Christ Tshiunza also providing forward cover.
The head coach has opted for a 5-3 split to face the Wallabies this weekend which means Eddie James is added to the 23, while scrum-half Rhodri Williams also comes in.
“We have had honest reviews after last week’s match,” Gatland said.
“There were some things we did well that we are looking to build on, but we need to be more accurate and disciplined especially in key moments.
“We’re expecting an Australia side on a high after their win against England. They are a much-improved side since the summer and have played a number of Test matches since we last met. We know we need to put in an 80-minute performance on Sunday.”
Wales team to face the Wallabies
Wales: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Blair Murray, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Ellis Bevan, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 James Botham, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (c) 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Eddie James
Date: Sunday, November 17
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 16:10 GMT (03:10 AEDT)
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (England), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
