Prop Gethin Jenkins will captain Wales in the absence of Sam Warburton in Friday's World Cup bronze-medal match against Australia at Eden Park.
Toby Faletau moves to open-side flanker in place of Warburton, who is serving a three-week ban after being dismissed in the semi-final defeat by France.
Ryan Jones comes in at number eight, while Alun-Wyn Jones is rested.
"We are sticking with the majority the side which has put together a string of
displays," said coach Warren Gatland.
"The one change which wasn't forced, in the second row, is based on the fact that Alun-Wyn Jones ran himself into the ground when we had 14 men against France.
"We face Australia back home in just over a month's time, and we we want that homecoming to be a celebration of us achieving the status of one of the top three teams in the world.
"We have come a long way and put together a string of performances that the nation can be proud of so far in New Zealand.
"And we need to ensure that the history books reflect what we know we are capable of. And it is only by beating the Wallabies on Friday that we feel this will be achieved."
Paul James replaces Adam Jones, who has a calf injury, at tight-head prop, while forwards Ryan Bevington and Andy Powell have been handed call-ups.
Jenkins, who has won 81 international caps, will lead Wales for the third time.
Wales, who have never reached the World Cup final, finished third in 1987, when Paul Thorburn's last-gasp conversion secured a 22-21 victory over Australia.
Toby Faletau moves to open-side flanker in place of Warburton, who is serving a three-week ban after being dismissed in the semi-final defeat by France.
Ryan Jones comes in at number eight, while Alun-Wyn Jones is rested.
"We are sticking with the majority the side which has put together a string of
displays," said coach Warren Gatland.
"The one change which wasn't forced, in the second row, is based on the fact that Alun-Wyn Jones ran himself into the ground when we had 14 men against France.
"We face Australia back home in just over a month's time, and we we want that homecoming to be a celebration of us achieving the status of one of the top three teams in the world.
"We have come a long way and put together a string of performances that the nation can be proud of so far in New Zealand.
"And we need to ensure that the history books reflect what we know we are capable of. And it is only by beating the Wallabies on Friday that we feel this will be achieved."
Paul James replaces Adam Jones, who has a calf injury, at tight-head prop, while forwards Ryan Bevington and Andy Powell have been handed call-ups.
Jenkins, who has won 81 international caps, will lead Wales for the third time.
Wales, who have never reached the World Cup final, finished third in 1987, when Paul Thorburn's last-gasp conversion secured a 22-21 victory over Australia.
No comments:
Post a Comment