Warren Gatland has decided to rest Shane Williams for their final World Cup pool clash against Fiji on Sunday – but he’s determined to reach the knock-out stages with the wind in his side’s sails.
Williams, who scored his 55th and the decisive Welsh try in their 17-10 win over Samoa earlier in the group, is recovering from a thigh strain and had hoped to feature against Fiji but Gatland has opted against selecting the flying wing.
As a result George North and Leigh Halfpenny will feature out wide as Gatland makes seven changes to the side that beat Namibia 81-7 on Monday.
Following South Africa’s narrow 13-5 victory over Samoa on Friday, Wales are all but guaranteed their place in the last 16 – Fiji would have to win by 39 points or more to send Gatland’s side home.
But Gatland is desperate to see his side arrive in the knock-out stages – where Ireland will probably await – in fine form. “Shane might have been available to us if we had pushed him,” said Gatland.
“But he has taken a limited part in training this week and we are happy with the back three we have been able to put on the field for this game.
“Our focus is entirely on Fiji. We know if we can win one more game, and win it well, that will give us the best chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup with significant momentum.”
Jamie Roberts comes back into the side to partner Scott Williams in midfield while Rhys Priestland replaces Stephen Jones at fly-half and Mike Phillips returns at No.9.
In the forwards hooker Huw Bennett is back in the front row as Lions props Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins are reunited for the first time since November 2010.
Luke Charteris is recalled to partner Bradley Davies in the second row as Alun Wyn Jones drops to the bench.
Gatland added: “Alun Wyn and Jonathan [Davies] are two of the players who have started in all three games so far.
“So we have freshened things up a little in the second row and the centre but have both of them on the bench if we need them.”
15. Lee Byrne – Clermont 14. George North – Scarlets 13. Scott Williams – Scarlets 12. Jamie Roberts – Blues 11. Leigh Halfpenny – Blues 10. Rhys Priestland – Scarlets 9. Mike Phillips – Bayonne 1. Gethin Jenkins – Cardiff Blues 2. Huw Bennett – Ospreys 3. Adam Jones – Ospreys 4. Bradley Davies – Cardiff Blues 5. Luke Charteris – Newport Gwent Dragons 6. Ryan Jones – Ospreys 7. Sam Warburton – Cardiff Blues 8. Toby Faletau – Newport Gwent Dragons
Replacements: Lloyd Burns – Newport Gwent Dragons Paul James – Ospreys Alun Wyn Jones – Ospreys Andy Powell – Sale Sharks Lloyd Williams – Cardiff Blues Stephen Jones – Scarlets Jonathan Davies – Scarlets
