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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Anthony Woolford

Warren Gatland explains why he's picked his Wales Rugby World Cup big-hitters for final warm-up match in Ireland

Warren Gatland his explained his reasoning behind naming such a star-studded Welsh team for the final Rugby World Cup warm-up game against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

The Wales coach says he needs his top stars to be "rugby ready" with game time behind them so they can hit the ground running in the tournament opener with Georgia.

The New Zealander has completely ripped up his team-sheet from the one that started last Saturday's 22-17 defeat to Ireland at the Principality Stadium.

Among the 15 changes kicking off the clash at the Aviva Stadium sees the return of second-row colossus Alun Wyn Jones, to win his 128th Welsh cap.

He joins a Welsh forward line-up that has Ross Moriarty packing down at No.8 after his recent hip knock.

Justin Tipuric is back (Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)

Openside flanker Justin Tipuric, who hasn't played since limping off at Twickenham on August 11 with an ankle problem, also starts against Joe Schmidt's side.

And it's the lack of game time for some of his 2019 Grand Slam regulars that has prompted Gatland to name such a strong looking line-up.

Having already lost Gareth Anscombe, Wales are desperate to avoid injuries to any more of their key men ahead of the World Cup.

But Gatland isn't wrapping his stars in cotton wool.

“This is our final preparation match so it is important we get enough rugby into us, get rugby ready ahead of our World Cup opener against Georgia which is just over two weeks away,” he explained.

“It is important we hit the ground running in Japan and we give the players enough time on the field.

“Saturday is the first time these players would have taken to the field as members of the Rugby World Cup 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 also have an impressive bench in Dublin with Ken Owens, Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis named as the front-row cover with Adam Beard and Josh Navidi completing the forward contingent.

Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar and Liam Williams provide the backline cover.

 
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