Rhys Patchell of Wales breaks to score. Pic: Simon King/Replay Images.

Patchell Handed Outside-Half Spot For Wales’ Final World Cup Warm-Up

Rhys Patchell will start at No 10 for Wales’ final World Cup warm-up game against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Skipper and lock Alun Wyn Jones is also returning to what is an experienced matchday squad – the first since head coach Warren Gatland announced the party that will head to Japan.

Patchell, who impressed after coming on in last weekend’s defeat to Ireland in Cardiff, will be partnered by scrum-half Tomos Williams.

Leigh Halfpenny will start at full-back and George North and Josh Adams on the wings.

“This is our final preparation match so it is important we get enough rugby into us, get rugby ready ahead of our RWC opener against Georgia which is just over two weeks away,” said Gatland.

“It is important we hit the ground running in Japan and we give the players enough time on the field.

“Saturday is the first time these players would have taken to the field as members of the RWC squad, it has been a big week and it is a big opportunity for players to put their hand up and secure spots for the starting XV in Japan.”

Wales will depart for Japan on Wednesday September 11 with the opening game against Georgia on Sunday September 29.

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets); George North (Ospreys), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors); Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues); Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Tomas Francis (Exeter), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (capt, Ospreys), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Dragons).

Replacements:Ken Owens (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints), Liam Williams (Saracens).

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