Warren Gatland has named a strong Wales side for their final Rugby World Cup warm-up against Ireland in Dublin.
After confirming his World Cup squad on Sunday after defeat to this weekend’s opponents in Cardiff, Gatland has chosen a close to first choice starting lineup and bench.
Rhys Patchell starts after impressing from the bench last weekend, while captain Alun Wyn Jones returns in the second row.
“This is our final preparation match so it is important we get enough rugby into us, get rugby ready ahead of our RWC opener against Georgia which is just over two weeks away,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.
“It is important we hit the ground running in Japan and we give the players enough time on the field.”
After Rob Evans’ World Cup omission, Wyn Jones has a chance to press his case for a starting berth at loosehead, with Elliot Dee and Tomas Francis joining him in the front row.
Jake Ball partners his captain at lock and Gatland has selected a balanced back-row trio of Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty, who has recovered from a hip problem that caused his withdrawal from last weekend’s squad.
Tomos Williams and Patchell combine at nine and ten with first choice halves Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar held in reserve.
In the midfield, Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies are a settled pairing, while Leigh Halfpenny plays just his second international game since last November, starting at full-back
Gatland urged his players to make the most of this opportunity ahead of the World Cup.
“Saturday is the first time these players would have taken to the field as members of the RWC squad, it has been a big week and it is a big opportunity for players to put their hand up and secure spots for the starting XV in Japan.”
Wales team vs Ireland
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets) (81 Caps)
14. George North (Ospreys) (85 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (75 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (17 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) (13 Caps)
10. Rhys Patchell (Scarlets) (12 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) (8 Caps)
1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (14 Caps)
2. Elliot Dee (Dragons) (21 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (42 Caps)
4. Jake Ball (Scarlets) (35 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (CAPT) (127 Caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (11 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (65 Caps)
8. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) (33 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Ken Owens (Scarlets) (66 Caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (30 Caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) (14 Caps)
19. Adam Beard (Ospreys) (15 Caps)
20. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues) (18 Caps)
21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (43 Caps)
22. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) (72 Cap)
23. Liam Williams (Saracens) (57 Caps)
