Blog Banner

Adams handed wing spot for Twickenham Test

First Team News | 9th August 2019


Josh Adams will have an opportunity to haunt England once again, as he is named in Wales' starting line-up for Sunday's Rugby World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham. (KO 2.00pm)

The new Cardiff Blues star, who made the summer move from Worcester Warriors, scored a decisive try in the crucial Guinness Six Nations victory over Eddie Jones' side in February, towering over Elliot Daly to take a crossfield kick and touch down in the corner.

Adams, who will win his 11th cap, is joined in the matchday squad by his new regional team-mates, Dillon Lewis and Tomos Williams, as both academy graduates are named on the bench.

Prop Lewis, who has 12 caps to his name, and scrum half Williams, who has racked up seven international appearances to date, will look to maintain their undefeated streak in the Welsh jersey.

Warren Gatland has named a strong side for the outing, with Alun Wyn Jones named as captain, making his 126th appearance for his country.

Following Sunday's encounter, Wales will have a six-day turnaround before welcoming England to Principality Stadium. They will also take on Ireland in back-to-back fixtures.

Head coach Gatland said: “The squad are looking forward to this weekend and getting a game under their belt after a really intense preparation period.

“We have picked a strong-looking team and we are looking forward to seeing how they kick on after a successful couple of campaigns.

“These matches are really important leading into the RWC, to ensure that the players are both ready for the tournament but also to give players the opportunity to put their hands up for selection.

“There is a balance with selection, a need to mix continuity from what we have achieved with opportunity, and we will look to do that over the next couple of weeks.

“Looking at the first two matches, this block replicates what we are doing in the RWC with a six-day turnaround so it’s a good opportunity for us to prepare and mimic that schedule.”

Wales: 

15. Liam Williams (Saracens) (55 Caps)
14. George North (Ospreys) (83 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (73 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (15 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) (10 Caps)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Ospreys) (26 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (41 Caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (28 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) (64 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (40 Caps)
4. Adam Beard (Ospreys) (13 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (C) (Ospreys) (125 Caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (8 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (64 Caps)
8. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) (31 Caps)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) (18 Caps)
17. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (12 Caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) (12 Caps)
19. Jake Ball (Scarlets) (32 Caps)
20. Aaron Shingler (Scarlets) (17 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) (7 Caps)
22. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) (70 Caps)
23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) (13 Caps)