Lions trio return for Wales

Tue, Feb 20, 2018, 11:40 PM
AAP
by AAP
Leigh Halfpenny returns for Wales this weekend. Photo: Getty Images
Leigh Halfpenny returns for Wales this weekend. Photo: Getty Images

The return of three British and Irish Lions will be a boost for Wales after coach Warren Gatland named Dan Biggar, Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams for their Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin.

But Taulupe Faletau, who Wales declared ready to play on Monday, is not in the matchday 23 as the Welsh seek to end the hosts' perfect start.

Biggar has recovered from a shoulder injury and will play for the first time in this year's tournament as he replaces Rhys Patchell at five-eighth.

Williams, who has recovered from a groin injury, has not played for Wales since they beat Georgia in November and comes onto the wing in place of Josh Adams.Liam Williams will play his first Test of the competition. Photo: Getty ImagesHalfpenny had been named to play against England but pulled out before kick-off with a foot infection.

Gareth Anscombe took his place in the 12-6 defeat at Twickenham and drops to the bench for Saturday's clash.

"It is great to be able to bring so much experience back into the starting XV and into the back line," said Gatland, who will take charge of Wales for the 100th time.

"It is the first week we have had everyone in the green in terms of availability which is a nice luxury to have and a positive ahead of what is a very important Test match against a very good Ireland side.

"We have been pleased with the depth we have developed in the back-three and pleased with how those players have gone but having the experience of Dan, Liam and Leigh coming back in is hugely important."

TEAM

Wales team for their clash with Ireland

1. Rob Evans

2. Ken Owens

3. Samson Lee

4. Cory Hill

5. Alun Wyn Jones (C)

6. Aaron Shingler

7. Josh Navidi

8. Ross Moriarty

9. Gareth Davies

10. Dan Biggar

11. Steff Evans

12. Hadleigh Parkes

13. Scott Williams

14. Liam Williams

15. Leigh Halfpenny

Reserves

16. Elliot Dee

17. Wyn Jones

18. Tomas Francis

19. Bradley Davies

20. Justin Tipuric

21. Aled Davies

22. Gareth Anscombe

23. George North

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