Warren Gatland names Wales XV to face The Wallabies

Wales lost the first test 25-16 in Sydney

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland
Author: Tom PreecePublished 11th Jul 2024
Last updated 11th Jul 2024

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named the Wales XV to face Australia in the second and final test match of the series at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday.

There are four changes to the team that took to the field in the first test defeat in Sydney last weekend.

Taine Plumtree is selected at No. 8 with Aaron Wainwright ruled out of the remainder of the tour through a hamstring injury sustained in last week’s match.

James Botham comes into the starting line-up at blindside flanker. Tommy Reffell completes the back row at open-side.

Cameron Winnett is named at full-back to make his first appearance down under, Liam Williams and Rio Dyer are on the wings.

Josh Hathaway is also ruled out of this fixture due to an elbow injury.

Mackenzie Martin joins the Wales replacements.

Gatland said: "We’re looking forward to getting back out on pitch this weekend in Melbourne.

"This week we’ve been going through our processes, building on what worked well and sharpening the areas that need improvement.

"We expect Australia to go up another level this weekend and we know we need to as well.

"We want to start well and make sure we are disciplined and accurate from the off. Then it’s about keeping in the arm-wrestle for the duration."

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