Wales Team Announcement: Debut For Murray And Big Guns Return

Rhodri Evans

Warren Gatland has handed a first cap to Scarlets winger Blair Murray as part of an experienced squad to take on Fiji at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.

Dewi Lake captains a side that welcomes back experienced players such as Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Tomos Williams, and Gareth Anscombe.

Murray, 23, has had an excellent start to life in Wales, following his move from Canterbury in New Zealand.

The Kiwi-born left wing, who has scored two tries in six games in the United Rugby Championship, is preferred in the side to Rio Dyer, as Mason Grady is named on the right wing.

Joining them in the back three is Cardiff Rugby’s Cameron Winnett, who has nailed down the fullback spot since his debut in the Six Nations.

Following two games at flyhalf in the summer, Ben Thomas has shifted into his more natural inside centre role, with Gloucester’s Max Llewellyn getting the nod outside him.

Experienced halfback duo of Williams and Anscombe have been picked ahead of the likes of Ellis Bevan and Sam Costelow who both make the bench.

In the front row, Gareth Thomas is joined by captain Lake and Archie Griffin, while Beard and Rowlands pack down in the second row, returning after summer absences.

Leicester Tigers flanker Tommy Reffell has won the battle of the opensides for this match, with Jac Morgan settling for a place on the bench. Reffell is joined in the back row by Taine Plumtree and Aaron Wainwright.

Gatland has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench with Morgan joined by Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, James Botham, and Christ Tshiunza in the forwards.

Ellis Bevan and Sam Costelow are the back replacement options.

Teams

Wales

Cam Winnett; Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Blair Murray; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin; Will Rowlands, Adam Beard; Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements

Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Christ Tshiunza, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow.

Fiji

Vuate Karawalevu; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (co-capt), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra; Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (co-capt), Samuela Tawake; Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua; Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata.

Replacements

Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Semi Kuruvoli, Isaiah Ravula, Sireli Maqala.

Diolch yn fawr to S4C for sponsoring Sportin Wales’ Autumn International Series!

S4C is the Home of Welsh Sport and the only place to watch the Wales vs Fiji game live on free to air TV. S4C will be dropping a special programme with exclusive behind the scenes access following the WRU staff, welcoming the Fiji team on their journey to Wales – watch on their YouTube channel tomorrow.

And remember to tune in to the game this Sunday @1pm on S4C, S4C Clic & BBC iPlayer

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