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Gatland: 'Pressure is on Jarrod Evans and he understands that fully'
Jarrod Evans and Rhys Patchell face what is effectively a winner-takes-all World Cup duel in Saturday’s clash against Ireland. Evans will start the tournament warm-up game in Cardiff, with fellow fly-half Patchell then featuring off the bench.
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Whoever leaves the biggest impression on Wales head coach Warren Gatland looks likely to join experienced No10 Dan Biggar in Japan next month. Asked if Evans and Patchell were in direct competition, Gatland said: “Probably, yes.
“Jarrod gets an opportunity. We know a little bit more about Rhys Patchell, so the pressure is on him [Evans], and he understands that fully. It’s about coming out, starting a game and controlling a game. Rhys will get the second half, and it’s about him coming on and making an impression.
“The two of them are pretty aware that they will get the chance on Saturday, and it’s probably a shoot-out between the two of them.”
Gatland, who names his 31-man World Cup squad on Sunday, added: “There are a number of positions still up for grabs – front row, second row, back row, back three, the 10 position. The players are pretty well aware of how important this game is, and the opportunity they get to put their hands up for selection on Sunday.”
"It's a fantastic chance for them to put their hand up for selection."
Warren Gatland discusses today's team announcement for Saturday's meeting with Ireland. pic.twitter.com/CT2KRHR4T3— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) August 29, 2019
Cardiff Blues wing Owen Lane and Saracens prop Rhys Carre will make their Wales debuts at the Principality Stadium. Gatland has made 14 changes from the starting line-up on duty against England on August 17, with Blues back row forward Josh Navidi captaining Wales for the first time as they seek to safeguard their No1 world ranking.
Lane and Carre apart, there are also opportunities for the likes of full-back Hallam Amos, centre Scott Williams and hooker Ryan Elias. Lane and Amos could effectively be battling it out for one back three spot, while 21-year-old Carre has an opportunity to show the form that drove Premiership and European champions Saracens to sign him from the Blues earlier this year.
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“It was a bit of a shock to them [Lane and Carre] when they first came in with regards to how hard we train, but they have fitted in well,” Gatland said. “Rhys has lost about 10 kilograms since he’s been with us! Owen Lane has continued to improve and impress, and both of them have fitted in well and hopefully they make the most of their opportunity.”
– Press Association
WATCH: The RugbyPass stadium guide takes a look at Toyota which will host Wales’ first game at the finals versus Georgia
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
39 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
39 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
39 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
50 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
39 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
39 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
39 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
39 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
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