Gatland makes six changes for Cardiff clash
Josh Hathaway will make his Wales debut against Australia on Saturday after being called up to replace the injured Aled Davies.
The Scarlets scrum-half has been in impressive form for his region this season and has been rewarded with a place in Warren Gatland’s team for the clash at the Principality Stadium.
Gatland has made six changes to the side that beat Scotland in the Six Nations opener last weekend.
Hathaway is one of three new faces in the backline, alongside wing Josh Adams and centre Cory Hill.
Up front, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Adam Beard all come into the pack.
Gatland said he was pleased with the way his team had performed against Scotland, but admitted there were areas where they could improve.
We were happy with the win against Scotland, but we know we can be better, he said.
We made a few mistakes in the first half, but we tightened up in the second half and started to play with more control.
We’ve made a few changes to the team this week, but we’re confident that the players who have come in will do a good job.
Josh Hathaway has been in excellent form for the Scarlets this season and he deserves his chance to play for Wales.
He’s a very good scrum-half and he’ll bring a lot of energy to the team.
We’re expecting a tough game against Australia, but we’re confident that we can get the win.
Wales team to face Australia:
- Liam Williams
- Josh Adams
- Cory Hill
- Jonathan Davies
- George North
- Gareth Anscombe
- Josh Hathaway
- Tomas Francis
- Ken Owens
- Adam Beard
- Alun Wyn Jones (capt)
- Cory Hill
- Ross Moriarty
- Aaron Wainwright
- Justin Tipuric
Replacements:
- Elliot Dee
- Wyn Jones
- Dillon Lewis
- Jake Ball
- Aaron Shingler
- Aled Davies
- Rhys Patchell
- Steff Evans
Kind regards C. Dixon.
