For Friday’s rugby World Cup third-place playoff against Australia, Wales have announced their strongest available lineup, highlighting their resolve to win the match and depart New Zealand with pride.
Coach Warren Gatland has made three alterations to the team that suffered a 9-8 defeat to France in the semifinals, one necessitated by captain Sam Warburton’s three-week suspension for a spear tackle on French winger Vincent Clerc.
Often referred to as the “losers’ final,” the matchup between the teams eliminated in the semifinal is generally perceived as undesirable by players and supporters alike.
Nevertheless, Gatland expressed that, having built a significant respect for the style of rugby displayed during the tournament, it was vital for Wales to finish on a positive note.
“We’ve aimed to select the strongest squad available to us,” the New Zealander conveyed to reporters at the team hotel on Tuesday.
“We’re still feeling quite hollow and empty about the outcome against France and believe that the more deserving team is not in the World Cup final.
“It would be simple to lower our heads and not deliver the performance we are capable of, but if this team steps up and performs as we know they can, we can leave here with pride and have gained a lot of respect.”
In the absence of Warburton, Toby Faletau shifts from No 8 to openside flanker, while seasoned prop Gethin Jenkins assumes the role of captain for the match at Eden Park.
Replacing Faletau in the back row is Ryan Jones, and prop Paul James takes the starting position in the front row in place of Adam Jones, who exited the field with a calf injury during last Saturday’s loss.
Lock Alun Wyn-Jones moves to the bench, with Bradley Davies taking his place in the second row. Loose forward Andy Powell and prop Ryan Bevington are the new additions to the bench.
Gatland noted, “The one change in the second row that wasn’t forced is a result of Alun Wyn exhausting himself when we faced 14 men against France last week.”
James Hook keeps the starting flyhalf position as Rhys Priestland remains sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained in the quarterfinal against Ireland, with Stephen Jones again positioned to provide backup on the bench.
Both Hook and Jones missed opportunities last Saturday that would have secured a victory for Wales, despite competing with one player less for over an hour.
“Both 10s would be disappointed with their performances… the best approach is to get back on the horse and demonstrate they can perform better than they did last weekend,” Gatland remarked.
Team: 15-Leigh Halfpenny, 14-George North, 13-Jonathan Davies, 12-Jamie Roberts, 11-Shane Williams, 10-James Hook, 9-Mike Phillips, 8-Ryan Jones, 7-Toby Faletau, 6-Danny Lydiate, 5-Bradley Davies, 4-Luke Charteris, 3-Paul James, 2-Huw Bennett, 1-Gethin Jenkins (captain).
Replacements: 16-Lloyd Burns, 17-Ryan Bevington, 18-Alun Wyn Jones, 19-Andy Powell, 20-Lloyd Williams, 21-Stephen Jones, 22-Scott Williams.
