Grady set for debut as Wales change nine for England

3 years ago 41
ARTICLE AD BOX
Mason Grady and Joe HawkinsNew Wales centre pairing Mason Grady and Joe Hawkins have just four caps between them
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 25 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC One, S4C, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and Radio 5 Live, the BBC Sport website & app; live text commentary on BBC Sport website & app. Highlights and analysis, Scrum V Six Nations, BBC Two Wales, Sunday, 26 February and later on demand.

Mason Grady will make his international debut for Wales in Saturday's Six Nations clash with England in Cardiff.

The 20-year-old centre replaces George North as Warren Gatland makes nine changes from the defeat at Scotland.

Owen Williams make his first Test start at number 10 as part of a new-look Welsh midfield, including Joe Hawkins.

Test veteran Leigh Halfpenny and wing Louis Rees-Zammit both return from injury to feature for the first time in this year's tournament.

After weeks of turmoil in Welsh rugby, Gatland, his players and the fans will be grateful to get back to the action.

Saturday's game at the Principality Stadium goes ahead after the Wales squad decided against strike action following their contract dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Not that matters on the field have been much better with Wales bottom of the Six Nations table.

Having looked to experience in the opening game against Ireland, Gatland continues with his policy of blooding new young players with an eye towards the future and this year's Rugby World Cup.

Grady, the half-brother of ex-Wales centre Cory Allen, has only 20 regional appearances for Cardiff to his name but at 6ft 5ins and more than 17st, he has the physical attributes for Test rugby.

Wales: Halfpenny; Adams, Grady, Hawkins, Rees-Zammit; O Williams, T Williams; G Thomas, Owens (capt), Francis, Beard, AW Jones, Tshiunza, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacements: Roberts, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reffell, Hardy, Biggar, Tompkins

More to follow

Read Entire Article