Wales Bulk-up For South Africa

Welsh Head Coach Warren Gatland has named bulked-up his pack for Saturday’s Quarter Final clash against South Africa in London. The Pool A runners-up have gone for size in the pack rather than mobility in an effort to reach a second-consecutive Rugby World Cup Semi Final.

Starting together with captain Sam Warburton in the back-row is not Justin Tipuric but, rather, Dan Lydiate. The alteration ought to provide the Welsh with greater combat in the forwards as tackling rather than fetching has been the signal of focus from Gatland.

Size can also be found in the selection of Samson Lee at tighthead prop while Luke Charteris and Alun Wyn Jones will be responsible for winning ball from lineouts against the world-renowned Springboks.

Vast inexperience exists throughout the back-line with four of the seven starters ultimately being in the team due to injuries to others. A lot will be required of Gareth Anscombe, Alex Cuthbert, Tyler Morgan and Gareth Davies against an in-form South African back-line.

Wales
15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Gethin Jenkins

16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Tom Francis, 19 Bradley Davies, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 James Hook