Four Uncapped Players Included In Wales Team For Ireland Game

With Samson Lee sidelined until at least the second game of the World Cup – which just happens to be England at Twickenham – and with a paucity of experience in that position, Gatland seemed certain to blood Francis, even if only from the bench.

Wales kicking coach Neil Jenkins has confirmed that George North will not be selected for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up against Ireland.

Ospreys wing Walker, 23, has been unfortunate with injuries but gets his chance in the absence of George North.

There will also be plenty of focus on Moriarty, the son of former Swansea and Wales forward Paul.

He will line up in the back row with Justin Tipuric at open-side and Dan Baker at number eight, while Day packs down alongside Jake Ball.

Elsewhere in the line-up, there is only a second Test start at fly-half for Gloucester’s James Hook since the 2011 World Cup, although his half-back partnership with Mike Phillips boasts a combined total of 170 caps.

Scarlets centre Scott Williams will captain Wales for the first time.

“Saturday is a real opportunity for these players to put their hand up”, said Gatland in a press release issued by the Welsh Rugby Union.

“We have been really impressed over the last few weeks, we have put the players under a lot of pressure and they have responded really well”.

Wales prided themselves on their fitness at the last World Cup four years ago, when they reached the semi-finals, and Jenkins believes the brutal intensity of work done so far this summer is an essential requirement as preparation for a punishing pool that also includes hosts England and twice-world champions Australia. We have the right blend of youth and experience, and it’s all about grasping the chance at this level.

The 23-year-old was knocked unconscious while in action for Northampton back in March and Wales have refused to take risks with one of their key players in his recovery, but he is likely to be available for the August 29 meeting in Dublin after he completes concussion protocols.

And while Jenkins believes it is unlikely that the 23-year-old, who has scored 22 tries during a 49-cap Wales career, will be involved against Millennium Stadium visitors Ireland next Saturday, North continues to make promising progress.