Rob Howley insists this weekend’s Probables vs Possibles match is the perfect preparation for Wales’ summer tour to South Africa.
Wales, RBS 6 Nations champions in 2012 and 2013, suffered a disappointing campaign this time around, losing to both Ireland and England as they ended up third.
This summer they will face the Springboks in a two-Test tour and in preparation on Friday night a Probables side, coached by Howley, take on a Possibles side, coached by Rob McBryde.
Dan Biggar lines up at fly-half for the Probables who include the uncapped Jordan Williams on the wing in the absence of George North.
Lions backs Mike Phillips, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies and Alex Cuthbert all start for coach Howley’s Probables, with Gethin Jenkins, Ken Owens and Adam Jones in the front-row.
McBryde’s Possibles side features two uncapped players in the starting pack, in Scarlets prop Rob Evans and former Wales Under-20 skipper Ellis Jenkins.
James Hook will pull the strings for the Possibles at fly-half and Howley cannot wait for the competition for places to reach fever pitch.
“Friday is a huge opportunity for players and a chance for us to see them go up against each other for the Wales jersey,” said Howley.
“It’s something we haven’t been able to do for the last decade, but it will be a big night for the players, we want to see them in a pressured environment and that’s what we will get on Friday.”
McBryde added: “It’s been great to have the squad together, we only have a short time to prepare, but we are up for the challenge and excited by it.
“We have always said that the door is always open in international rugby and this is an opportunity that doesn’t come round very often and the players know it’s their chance to impress on a big public stage in front of all the coaches.”
Visit our official RBS 6 Nations Instagram page to follow all the best images from the Championship
