Share

Wales unchanged for Grand Slam tilt

Cardiff - Warren Gatland on Thursday named an unchanged Wales team for his final Six Nations game in charge, fullback Liam Williams having overcome a right shoulder 'stinger' injury.

It will be Gatland's 50th Six Nations match with Wales, with the Kiwi coach slated to step down from his post following this year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Wales head into Saturday's match at Cardiff's Principality Stadium as the only unbeaten team in the Six Nations tournament with four victories from four played, part of a 13-match unbeaten streak.

Victory over Ireland would ensure a record third Six Nations clean sweep of Gatland's reign following Grand Slams in 2008 and 2012, and a first Six Nations title since 2013.

The Irish, however, can still win the title should they beat the Welsh and Scotland be victorious over England in Saturday's final game.

"We've named an unchanged squad and rewarded the players for the last couple of outings and the last couple of victories," said Gatland, who took over as Wales coach at the end of 2007.

"These players are on a very good run, they are a hugely impressive group and they deserve to be going into the final weekend with everything to play for.

"It is a great reward for them for the hard work they have put in and we are all looking forward to what is going to be a huge game."

Leaving the Wales set-up along with Gatland after the World Cup will be respected assistant coaches Shaun Edwards, Rob Howley and Robin McBryde, among others.

And the New Zealander admitted that Saturday would likely prove emotional.

"For a number of us as coaches this is our last Six Nations game and the fact that it is in Cardiff is extra special," he said.

"There is bound to be a bit of emotion on Saturday and that is something to embrace."

Captain Alun Wyn Jones will equal Welshman Gethin Jenkins' total Test appearance record as he moves to 134 caps (125 Wales, nine British and Irish Lions) and to joint fifth in the overall world Test appearance list.

Jones again packs down with Adam Beard in the second row, with Rob Evans, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis continuing together in the front row, as Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty combine in the back row.

Gareth Davies and Gareth Anscombe are named at half-back with Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies in the centre. Josh Adams, George North and Liam Williams once again comprise the back three for Wales.

Williams had been an injury doubt after going off injured in last weekend's 18-11 victory over Scotland.

But the Saracens fullback has shaken off that knock, sustained in a tackle, to be declared fit.

Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis provide the front-row cover on the bench with Jake Ball and Aaron Wainwright completing the forward contingent. Aled Davies, Dan Biggar and Owen Watkin provide backline cover.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:45 (SA time) on Saturday.

Teams:

Wales

15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Josh Navidi, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 4 Adam Beard, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Rob Evans

Substitutes: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Aled Davies, Dan Biggar, 22 Owen Watkin

Ireland

TBA

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE