Multiple changes as Gatland wields the axe on Wales team to play England

Kiwi, Gatland, 59, still looking for his first win in his second spell in charge of the nation, has opted to shuffle his pack handing a debut to 20-year-old Cardiff Centre Mason Grady in place of George North, whilst kicking duties are now handed to Ospreys Owen Williams who has been preferred to former skipper Dan Biggar at fly-half.

There are welcome returns from injury to full-back Lee Halfpenny and winger Louis Rees-Zammit for their first outings in the competition. Veterans Alun Wyn-Jones and Taulupe Faletau also both make returns having missed out last time out against Scotland.

Gatland’s changes result from consecutive comprehensive defeats to Ireland and Scotland where a fortnight ago Wales suffered their heaviest Six Nations defeat against Gregor Townsend’s side. It was also a first against the Scots under coach Gatland, with Wales convincingly beaten 35-7 at Murrayfield.

Lying bottom of the Six Nations table, it has been a troubled period both on and off the pitch with the weekend’s fixture against England only confirmed to go ahead on Wednesday evening after threats over player strike action were averted.

Attention is now back on to the struggling Welsh side’s failures on the pitch, with Gatland’s side seeking a much better showing against a rejuvenated England. 

Steve Borthwick’s side got off the mark in the competition in their last encounter with a bonus point 31-14 victory against Italy at Twickenham and will be a tough proposition for Wales. 

It’s the Welsh though who have had the better of the fixture in Cardiff in recent times with Gatland’s side victorious in the last two tournament home meetings, winning in both 2019 and 2021.

As Wales look to bounce back in the competition, the focus will be back on Wales to respond to their troubles and look to beat the old enemy on home soil for the third Six Nations outing in a row. Gatland though is under no illusions about the challenge his side faces.

 “For England it’s a huge game because if you look at their final two games, they are a challenge, so it’s a huge moment in this competition.

“I see them as a little bit like us, going through a rebuilding phase with a new coach. Steve [Borthwick] is trying to find his feet and they’ve dispensed with the 10/12 thing with Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell.

“They’ve asked for the roof to be open so it’s open. We’d have preferred it to be closed, so that dampens things a little. The irony is we’re better with it open in terms of win records, so they might not have done their homework.

“It’s a massive game for both of us. If we win, then we can get things back on track a bit more.

“I hope it’s easy pickings. I have got no idea, though. I’m not in the English camp. There’s a lot of players we’ve had close rivalries with. I don’t think there’s any lack of motivation though, the guys will be up for it.”

On making nine changes Gatland believes the opportunities given to his new blend of youth mixed with the experience of returnees will help Wales build going forwards.

“We’ve given Mason Grady a first cap. He’s a big lad, got some really lovely rugby skills and offloading ability. He’s quick so he’s the kind of centre that I think is going to have it all going forward. He’s got a good rugby head on him”, continued Gatland. 

“We’ve been impressed by him. He’s young and quick, brings some physicality. His biggest work-on is being more vocal, but he’s got some fantastic attributes. I’ve been really happy with him in training. It’s a great opportunity for him and Joe [Hawkins] who have played together before.

“We’ve brought some experience back and chosen some young faces with Talupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric, Alun Wyn Jones and Leigh Halfpenny. Then we’re mixing that with giving players an opportunity with Owen Williams coming in at 10. We need to find out about that position, so Owen gets a chance.

“It’s a position we’re lacking in depth in back-up to Dan [Biggar]. In terms of the future, it’s important. Gareth Anscombe has had injuries in the last few years.

“We’ve been pleased with how Owen has been playing. It’s a great chance for him and Joe. We can see where we are building towards the end of the year.”

Wales XV to play England

15 Lee Halfpenny (Scarlets), 14 Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby), 13 Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby), 12 Joe Hawkins (Ospreys), 11 Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester), 10 Owen Williams (Ospreys), 9 Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby), 1 Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), 2 Ken Owens (Scarlets, Captain), 3 Tomas Francis (Ospreys), 4 Adam Beard (Ospreys), 5 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), 6 Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs), 7 Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), 8 Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby).

Replacements

16 Bradley Roberts (Dragons), 17 Rhys Care (Cardiff Rugby), 18 Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Rugby), 19 Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), 20 Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers), 21 Kieran Hardy (Scarlets) , 22 Dan Biggar (Toulon), 23 Nick Tompkins (Saracens).

(Lead image: PA / WRU)