Wales open their Rugby World Cup campaign against Georgia on Monday, with Warren Gatland’s men eager to make the strongest possible start to the competition.
With the Welsh squad still reeling from the “shock” and “disappointment” of the Rob Howley betting investigation, a convincing win in Toyota would be much welcomed by all those involved in the national outfit.
This will be Gatland’s final tournament in charge of Wales before he steps down from his position in November.
The Kiwi, who is set to return to his homeland to coach the Chiefs, will be hoping for a final swan song as Wales boss. That means going one better than the semi-final finish at the 2011 World Cup.
After Georgia, Wales take on Australia followed by Fiji and Uruguay.
When is it?
Wales vs Georgia kicks off at 11.15am (BST) on Monday 23 September.
How can I watch it?
ITV will be broadcasting the clash.
You can also live stream the match via ITV Hub on a range of devices, including laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Squads
Wales
Forwards: Jake Ball, Adam Beard, Rhys Carre, James Davies, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones (c), Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Ken Owens, Aaron Shingler, Nicky Smith, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Wainwright
Backs: Josh Adams, Hallam Amos, Dan Biggar, Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Hadleigh Parkes, Rhys Patchell, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams
Georgia
Forwards: Mikheil Nariashvili, Guram Gogichashvili, Shalva Mamukashvili, Jaba Bregvadze, Vano Karkadze, Levan Chilachava, Giorgi Melikidze, Beka Gigashvili, Giorgi Nemsadze, Shalva Sutiashvili, Mamuka Gorgodze, Kote Mikautadze, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Lasha Lomidze, Otar Giorgadze, Beka Gorgadze, Beka Saghinadze
Backs: Sandro Todua, Soso Matiashvili, Mirian Modebadze, Zurab Dzneladze, Davit Katcharava, Merab Sharikadze, Tamaz Mtchedlidze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Lasha Malaghuradze, Lasha Khmaladze, Tedo Abzhandadze, Giorgi Begadze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Gela Aprasidze
Prediction
Although Wales are firm favourites heading into this clash, Gatland’s men will need to keep an eye on their opponents at the set piece. Georgia have a reputation for being fierce scrummagers – Eddie Jones brought the side in to train against England’s forwards during the last Six Nations – and will no doubt look to target Welsh vulnerabilities in this area. Still, with an abundance of talent at their disposal and a world-class mentality to match, this has got a Wales win written all over it.
