Six Nations: Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt makes eight changes for Ireland clash, including debut for Ellis Mee
Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt makes eight changes for clash with Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday, handing a debut to wing Ellis Mee and recalling Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn; Warren Gatland left Wales earlier this month after 14th successive Test defeat
Thursday 20 February 2025 14:36, UK
Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt has rung the changes for his side's Six Nations game against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday, with Scarlets wing Ellis Mee awarded a debut amid eight alterations from the defeat to Italy.
Mee replaces the injured Josh Adams, while Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn return at fly-half and centre respectively as Sherratt takes charge of his first game following Warren Gatland's departure after a record-extending 14th successive Test loss.
Ben Thomas has switched to No 12 from No 10 and will partner Llewellyn at centre, while Eddie James, Nick Tompkins, Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Freddie Thomas and James Botham join Adams in dropping out of the starting XV.
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Sherratt said: "We're looking forward to the challenge of facing Ireland. We have spoken this week about being brave but not reckless and making sure everyone knows their roles. We also know that keeping our discipline will be huge.
"Everyone is excited for our first home game of the Six Nations. The atmosphere Wales fans create at Principality Stadium is incredible and playing at home is something the players really look forward to."
Captain Jac Morgan starts at blindside flanker, with Tommy Reffell at openside and Taulupe Faletau completing the back row at No 8.
In the front row, Nicky Smith makes his first start of this year's tournament at loosehead prop, as does Elliot Dee at hooker, with WillGriff John handed a Six Nations debut at tighthead prop.
Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins pair up in the second row, with Tomos Williams at scrum-half, Tom Rogers joining debutant Mee on the wing and Blair Murray at full-back.
Jarrod Evans is named among the substitutes and in line for his first Wales appearance since summer 2021.
Rhodri Williams and Joe Roberts are the other replacement backs, with Evan Lloyd, Gareth Thomas, Henry Thomas, Teddy Williams and Aaron Wainwright the forward cover.
Wales starting XV: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Ellis Mee, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 WillGriff John, 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Dafydd Jenkins, 6 Jac Morgan (captain), 7 Tommy Reffell, 8 Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Joe Roberts.
Six Nations fixtures: Round 3
Saturday February 22
Wales vs Ireland (2.15pm)
England vs Scotland (4.45pm)
Sunday February 23
Italy vs France (3pm)
