Warren Gatland is shaking things up as he gears up for the Autumn internationals.
Among the fresh faces in his squad are two uncapped players: Blair Murray, who hails from New Zealand, and Freddie Thomas, a former England Under-20 international.
This selection comes as Wales aims to break free from a frustrating nine-match losing streak.
Talented Newcomers
Blair Murray, who qualifies to play for Wales through his mother, has made quite an impression at the Scarlets, while lock Freddie Thomas has been showing off his skills at Gloucester.
Their inclusion brings a sense of anticipation as they prepare to face tough opponents in Cardiff, including Fiji, Australia, and South Africa—the reigning Rugby World Cup champions.
Key Matches Ahead
The highly anticipated clash against the Springboks is set for Saturday, November 23, at 19:40 (SA time).
The Welsh team is eager to turn their fortunes around, especially after struggling since last year’s World Cup.
To avoid equaling their record of ten consecutive losses, Wales must secure a win against Fiji on November 10.
Returning Players and Leadership
In a bid to revitalize the team, Gatland has also brought back Dragons scrumhalf Rhodri Williams, who last donned the Welsh jersey in 2014, along with Gloucester’s Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn.
Dewi Lewis of Ospreys will continue to captain the squad, having led the team during their recent tour of Australia.
Gatland’s Outlook
Gatland expressed enthusiasm for the mix of experience and youth in the squad, stating, “We feel this is an exciting squad with some experience coming back to join the younger players.
We know they are going to work incredibly hard as a group this November.
We have three very different oppositions in Fiji, Australia, and South Africa, but we are looking forward to the challenges that each will pose.”
The Wales Squad
Backs (16)
- Ellis Bevan
- Tomos Williams
- Rhodri Williams
- Gareth Anscombe
- Sam Costelow
- Ben Thomas
- Eddie James
- Max Llewellyn
- Nick Tompkins
- Owen Watkin
- Mason Grady
- Rio Dyer
- Josh Hathaway
- Blair Murray
- Tom Rogers
- Cameron Winnett
Forwards (19)
- Christ Tshiunza
- James Botham
- Jac Morgan
- Taine Plumtree
- Tommy Reffell
- Aaron Wainwright
- Keiron Assiratti
- Archie Griffin
- Henry Thomas
- Adam Beard
- Ben Carter
- Will Rowlands
- Freddie Thomas
- Nicky Smith
- Gareth Thomas
- Kemsley Mathias
- Ryan Elias
- Dewi Lake (captain)
- Evan Lloyd
Coach
Warren Gatland (NZL)
What’s Next?
As the squad prepares for these critical matches, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Wales can finally turn the tide and secure some much-needed victories.
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