Kiwi-born playmaker gets pivotal role as Wales ring the changes

02/20/2025 09:24 AM

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Gareth Anscombe was handed the keys to No.10 as interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt rang the changes for Saturday's Six Nations Test match against Ireland.

Sherratt also handed a start to centre Max Llewellyn, who like Gloucester teammate Anscombe was called up to the Wales squad this week after failing to make the initial cut named by Warren Gatland.

Gatland stepped down as Wales coach following the 15-22 defeat by Italy, which was the Welsh team's 14th straight loss and eighth Six Nations reversal in a row.

Sherratt was appointed on an interim basis for this season's remaining Six Nations games, starting with the Irish in Cardiff before a trip to Scotland and a home fixture against England.

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"We're looking forward to the challenge of facing Ireland," said Sherratt, who made eight changes to the team that went down to the Italians.

"We have spoken this week about being brave, but not reckless and making sure everyone knows their roles. We also know that keeping our discipline will be huge.

"Everyone is excited for our first home game of the Six Nations. The atmosphere Wales fans create is incredible and playing at home is something the players really look forward to."

Ellis Mee is set for his international debut after being named on the wing.

Captain Jac Morgan moves to blindside flank, with Tommy Reffell preferred at openside, Taulupe Faletau completing the back row at No.8.

In the front row, Nicky Smith is selected at loosehead prop and makes his first start of the 2025 Six Nations, as does Elliot Dee who is at hooker. WillGriff John will make his Six Nations debut at tighthead.

Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins pair up in an unchanged second row.

Tomos Williams will partner Anscombe at halfback, while Ben Thomas combines with Llewellyn in the midfield.

Tom Rogers joins debutant Mee on the wing, while Blair Murray completes the starting XV at fullback.

Harlequins flyhalf Jarrod Evans is named among the replacements and could make his first appearance for Wales since 2021.

Rhodri Williams and Joe Roberts are the other replacement backs. Evan Lloyd, Gareth Thomas, Henry Thomas Teddy Williams and Aaron Wainwright provide the forward cover.

Cardiff coach Sherratt will have only four training sessions to prepare his players for Ireland's visit to Cardiff.

Wales have lost seven of their last eight games against Ireland, who are currently 10 places above the Welsh in the world rankings.

Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Ellis Mee, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Jac Morgan (captain), 5 Dafydd Jenkins, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 WillGriff John, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Nicky Smith.
Replacements: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Joe Roberts.

Date: Saturday, February 22
Venue: Millenium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14.15 (14.15 GMT)
Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)
Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)

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