Scarlets wing Murray set for Wales debut against Fiji
New Zealand-born wing Blair Murray is set for a Wales debut following just six games for regional side Scarlets after being named in Warren Gatland's side to face Fiji in Cardiff on Sunday.
The 23-year-old, whose mother is from Wales, has displaced Dragons wing Rio Dyer in the starting 15 for Wales's opening match of the November international programme.
A preview of what you can expect from Blair Murray in a Wales jersey 🏴
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) November 8, 2024
The @scarlets_rugby wing has made an immediate impact since joining the #BKTURC this season 🔥#URC pic.twitter.com/3Y7X2RDFMS
Mason Grady has been moved from centre to fill the other wing position
Ben Thomas is now at inside centre after two fly-half appearances during Wales's tour of Australia, with Gareth Anscombe back at stand-off for the first time since last year's World Cup.
The @WelshRugbyUnion side to take on @fijirugby this Sunday 🏴
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) November 8, 2024
Congratulations to @scarlets_rugby wing Blair Murray who is set to debut in the 11 jersey 👏 pic.twitter.com/qyr3zyFZkR
Anscombe will have some familiar names alongside him, with Gloucester teammates Max Llewellyn and Tomos Williams also among Wales's backs.
Will Rowlands and Adam Beard, who both missed the two-test series in Australia, form the second row, with Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell starting ahead of Jac Morgan – one of six forwards on the bench.
Fit-again Bath prop Archie Griffin is in a front-row featuring Gareth Thomas and captain Dewi Lake.
Wales have suffered nine successive test defeats since beating Georgia at last year's World Cup and one more loss would equal their all-time worst run of 10 set in 2002 and 2003.
They have, however, lost just once in 14 games against Fiji, with the Pacific islanders knocking Wales out of the 2007 World Cup in France.
"We have excellent competition in the squad so it was a tough selection and there were some close calls, but I think there is a really nice balance for Sunday," said Wales coach Gatland.
"We have some experienced players back alongside some exciting youngsters."
The New Zealander added: "We know how dangerous Fiji can be, so we've got to make sure that we bring physicality and are ruthless on Sunday. We need to be switched on for the full 80 minutes."
Fiji have made six changes from the team thrashed 57-17 by Scotland in Edinburgh last weekend, with key backs Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra returning to the starting side.
Teams (15-1)
Wales
Cameron Winnett; Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Blair Murray; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taine Plumtree; Adam Beard, Will Rowlands; Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (capt), Gareth Thomas
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Christ Tshiunza, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow
Coach: Warren Gatland (NZL)
Fiji
Vuate Karawalevu; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra; Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Ratu Meli Derenalagi; Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila; Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere (capt), Eroni Mawi
Replacements: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Simi Kuruvoli, Isaiah Ravula, Sireli Maqala
Coach: Mick Byrne (AUS)
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