Jac Attack – Wales Turn To Jac Morgan To Lead Against England This Weekend

Jac Morgan will captain Wales for the first time on Saturday – and could increase his chances of getting the job permanently for the World Cup.

Morgan will lead Wales out against England in the World Cup warm-up match at the Principality Stadium, where early clues for tournament strength will be keenly observed.

Wales are 7/4 to beat England with DragonBet, with England favourites at 4/9 and the draw at 21/1.

DragontBet currently make Wales 34-1 to win the World Cup, with England at 9/1, behind joint favourites New Zealand 13/5, hosts France 13/5, and South Africa and Ireland, who are both priced at 4/1.

Leigh Halfpenny will finally win his 100th cap against England on Saturday in a team captained by Morgan.

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Three players are at the other end of the spectrum and will make their international debuts – Keiron Assiratti (tighthead prop), Corey Domachowski (loosehead prop) and Max Llewellyn (centre).

Halfpenny will reach his century mark in the World Cup warm-up game at the Principality Stadium after being denied the landmark last season due to injury.

The former Scarlets full-back – who was released by the region at the end of last season – made his Wales debut 15 years ago and earned a glowing tribute from head coach Warren Gatland.

The New Zealander, who was also Halfpenny’s coach with the British and Irish Lions, said: “Reaching this milestone is an incredible achievement and testament to the player and person Leigh is.

“I know it will be a very special day for him and all his family.

“There are some tickets still available this weekend and we’d encourage as many fans as possible to come down to celebrate Leigh’s achievement with us and see the new players making their Wales debuts.”

Henry Thomas and Taine Plumtree, named among the replacements, are also in line to make their senior Wales debuts this weekend.

Morgan starts at openside flanker and is named captain for this fixture – his first time for the senior side after previously captaining Wales at U20 level.

Gatland has said he is likely to pick alternative captains for the remaining two warm-up games , before settling on a skipper for the tournament.

Gatland added: “We’ve named Jac as captain for this match and it is a great honour for him to be leading his country.

“We’ll be looking at probably having a different captain for each of the matches as we give as many as possible in the squad an opportunity to impress, but also mindful about potential combinations as we get closer to naming the World Cup squad.”

Joining Morgan in the back row are Christ Tshiunza (blindside flanker) and Aaron Wainwright (No. 8).

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Dafydd Jenkins and Will Rowlands pair up together in the second row. Rowlands makes his first Wales appearance since injury last autumn, as does Ryan Elias who returns to the starting line up at hooker.

Gareth Davies starts at scrum-half with Scarlets’ teammate Sam Costelow at fly-half.

Rio Dyer and Louis Rees-Zammit complete the starting line-up on the wings.

Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith and Ben Carter join Henry Thomas and Plumtree as the forward cover among the replacements.

Rounding out the match day 23, covering the Wales back line, are Tomos Williams, Dan Biggar and Mason Grady.

Gatland added: “I’ve been really pleased with the players’ effort and commitment in Turkey, Switzerland and the mini camps in Wales prior, but now it’s about putting what we’ve been training into practice.

“We’re excited to get out on pitch at Principality Stadium this Saturday – it’s always so special playing at home in front of our amazing fans.

“There is some great competition among the squad in all positions and we’ve selected a team this week with a few debutants, because we want to give them the opportunity to see what they can do.

“There’s a lot to play for over the next three matches and everyone is still in contention to make that final squad for France.

Wales senior men’s XV to play England in the 2023 Vodafone Summer Series, Saturday 5 August, KO 5.30pm BST.

Wales

15. Leigh Halfpenny (unattached / heb glwb – 99 caps)

14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby / Caerloyw – 25 caps)

13. George North (Ospreys / Gweilch – 113 caps)

12. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby / Caerloyw – uncapped / heb gap)

11. Rio Dyer (Dragons / Dreigiau – 7 caps)

10. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 2 caps)

9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets – 67 caps)

1. Corey Domachowski (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – uncapped / heb gap)

2. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 33 caps)