Skip to main content

Men's Rugby Union Gatland has an eye on 2019 World Cup with latest Wales squad

WARREN GATLAND says he is “looking at the bigger picture” after making five changes for Wales’s second Test against Argentina tomorrow.

Wales beat Argentina to win 23-10 in San Juan last weekend to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

But Wales head coach Gatland has decided to make significant changes for the second Test in Santa Fe, with Ellis Jenkins, Tomas Francis, Ryan Elias, Aled Davies and Owen Watkin all coming into the side.

“We’ve made five changes to the starting line-up as we want to see a few players from the start and give those players a bit more opportunity,” Gatland said of his team selection.

“Looking at the objectives of this tour, we are right on track, we have won two games from two, but more importantly we have exposed players to Test match rugby.

“We have given more opportunity and that was the aim coming in.

“We want to go home three from three, but we know the challenge that we are up against this weekend and we also are looking at the bigger picture.

“We might have picked a slightly different team if it was just about results, but it is about more than that. It is about building for 2019 and we are on the right track.

“Both Cory [Hill] and Ellis have been great on tour as co-captains. This week with them both in the side we have just gone for a bit of continuity with Cory doing the job as he did last weekend.

“Additionally, we are asking Ellis to play at six, so this allows him to concentrate on that role on Saturday.”

Wales left several of their established names at home this summer to give inexperienced players a taste of international rugby 15 months from the start of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

But Wales have still managed to beat South Africa in Washington DC, as well as outplaying Argentina on home soil last weekend.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today