Anscombe keeps playmaking reins for Wallabies

Thu, Nov 8, 2018, 12:53 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Gareth Anscombe will play at 10 for Wales again. Photo: Getty Images
Gareth Anscombe will play at 10 for Wales again. Photo: Getty Images

Wales coach Warren Gatland has stuck with playmaker Gareth Anscombe for their clash with the Wallabies.

Anscombe started in the absence of usual playmaker Dan Biggar against Scotland and impressed enough to retain his starting spot.

Biggar, who plays in the English Premiership, is eligible to play under World Rugby's regulation nine this week but will have to come off the pine.

Wales have made three changes to their starting XV, bringing tighthead Tomas Francis, lock Adam Beard and winger Josh Adams into the XV.

The Welsh started their November off strongly with a 21-10 win over Scotland last weekend but Gatland said they weren't satisfied with that.

"We were pleased to get a good opening win under our belts last weekend and this Saturday is all about building on that," he said.

"With selection we wanted some continuity and to be consistent but also mindful there are a number of players who did really well for us in the summer and they need to be rewarded and have their opportunity.

"Adam (Beard) impressed in the summer as did Josh (Adams) and they deserve the chance to start.

"There is a really good balance to the team, a lot of competition which is exactly what we wanted.

"The bench is packed with quality and experience and it will be great to see them have an impact on Saturday."

Wales hosts the Wallabies in Cardiff on Saturday November 10, 

The Wallabies named their team earlier on Thursday, with Tolu Latu set to start.

TEAM

IN: Tomas Francis, Dan Biggar, Liam Williams, Ellis Jenkins

OUT: Luke Morgan, Leon Brown,  Steff Evans, Aaron Wainwright

Wales to take on Australia

1. Nicky Smith (22 Caps)

2. Ken Owens (58 Caps)

3. Tomas Francis (33 Caps)

4. Adam Beard (5 Caps)

5. Alun Wyn Jones (118 Caps) 

6. Dan Lydiate (63 Caps)

7. Justin Tipuric (58 Caps)

8. Ross Moriarty (24 Caps)

9. Gareth Davies (34 Caps)

10. Gareth Anscombe (19 Caps)

11. Josh Adams (4 Caps)

12. Hadleigh Parkes (9 Caps)

13. Jonathan Davies (66 Caps)

14. George North (77 Caps)

15. Leigh Halfpenny (79 Caps)

Reserves

16. Elliot Dee (11 Caps)

17. Rob Evans (28 Caps)

18. Dillon Lewis (6 Caps)

19. Cory Hill (19 Caps)

20. Ellis Jenkins (8 Caps)

21. Tomos Williams (3 Caps)

22. Dan Biggar (62 Caps)

23. Liam Williams (48 Caps)

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