Wing Luke Morgan and flyhalf Jarrod Evans will make their Test debuts for Wales against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday.
They are the only uncapped players in the match 23. Morgan, who is Wales Sevens’ all-time leading try-scorer, will start on the left wing. Evans, who plays for the Cardiff Blues, will earn his first cap if he is used off the bench.
There are eight British & Irish Lions in the starting lineup – fullback Leigh Halfpenny, wing George North, outside centre Jonathan Davies, scrumhalf Gareth Davies, flanks Justin Tipuric and Dan Lydiate, lock Alun Wyn Jones and hooker Ken Owens.
‘It is great to reward players on form and we are looking forward to seeing Luke make his debut on the wing. He has come through the sevens system and will bring a point of difference to the squad and it’s a great opportunity for him,’ said Wales assistant coach Rob Howley. ‘Likewise, it will be good to see Jarrod from the bench and hopefully seeing some X factor from him.
‘We have created good strength in depth, especially from the summer and have a nice balance. We are very respectful of this Scotland team and are looking forward to what should be a great opening match.’
Wales – 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Luke Morgan, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Cory Hill, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Nicky Smith.
Subs: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Rob Evans, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Adam Beard, 19 Aaron Wainwright, 20 Tomos Williams, 21 Jarrod Evans, 23 Steff Evans.
Photo: http://www.wru.co.uk/
