Head coach Warren Gatland has named a quality side to run out onto Eden Park on Saturday June 11.
Returning captain Sam Warburton has proved fit and able to confront the ‘best in the world’. A physical test that only a fit man should approach, and his bold actions underline the man who five years ago (nearly) tipped up the Welsh goal in 2011 and then froze against Australia in the semi final. But Warburton does have a fight in him and it might be time for a Wales side to go in happy as an ‘outsider’ but certainly well prepared.
“Who dares wins, as they say,” Warburton said. “I think there are going to be opportunities during the game… We’re going to have to take some risks during the game. We can’t be conservative and expect to win.”
Men like Jamie Roberts (picured) and Toby Faletau have been selected, this Wales side are all running out onto a New Zealand rugby field wanting to perform for the fans and for their country. Not for points, for bonus points or salary caps; not for a title in this case either, they will be looking to walk out and face the World Champions eye-to-eye come Saturday evening.
100 test veteran Alun Wyn Jones will bring a strong emotional content to the occasion, not an overly emotional man (Wyn Jones maybe symbolic of this group–not as descriptive as Gavin Jenson) his loyalty is an element where his side will want to draw on that emotion for the whole 80 minutes. Retain a parity by halftime and then look to possibly out score the home side with an intercept or a few penalty kicks
The side chosen by Gatland is competent, are a mix of established talent and some young players that will be better off for this tour and for the years between Rugby World Cups.
2016 STEINLAGER SERIES – first test, Eden Park, Auckland 7:35pm NZT
The Wales team: 1.Gethin Jenkins, 2.Ken Owens, 3.Samson Lee, 4.Bradley Davies, 5.Alun Wyn Jones, 6.Ross Moriarty, 7.Sam Warburton, (captain), 8.Taulupe Faletau, 9.Rhys Webb, 10.Dan Biggar, 11.Hallam Amos, 12.Jamie Roberts, 13.Jonathan Davies, 14.George North, 15.Liam Williams.
Reserves: 16.Scott Baldwin, 17.Rob Evans, 18.Tomas Francis, 19.Jake Ball, 20.Ellis Jenkins, 21.Gareth Davies, 22.Gareth Anscombe, 23.Scott Williams
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“Main photo credit”
