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Wales confirm a 32-man squad minus two of last Saturday's players
By Liam Heagney
Warren Gatland has named a 32-man squad for this week’s training camp in Nice ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations finale versus France in Paris. The Welsh clocked up their first win of this year’s tournament with their 29-17 victory over Italy in Rome last Saturday.
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Rather than return to Wales in between the round four and five matches, coach Gatland opted to bring his squad from Rome to Nice before moving onto the French capital in a sort of mini-trial run for the World Cup later this year.
Wales will play Portugal in Nice in round two of that tournament next September and in the meantime, he has confirmed the 32-man squad that is with him by the Mediterranean. Absent are Liam Williams, the starting full-back at Stadio Olimpico, and Scott Baldwin, the sub hooker. Sam Parry, Baldwin’s Ospreys club colleague, has been called up.
A WRU statement: “Wales senior men’s head coach Warren Gatland has selected a 32-player squad for a training camp in Nice ahead of the final round match against France in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations. The squad is preparing for Saturday’s game at the Stade de France.
“Scott Baldwin (Ospreys) and Liam Williams (Cardiff Rugby) have both been ruled out of the game against France following injuries sustained during Italy vs Wales (Baldwin – pec, Williams – shoulder). Sam Parry (Ospreys) has been called up to the squad. Keiran Williams (Ospreys) was released following a groin injury sustained in the Ospreys vs Benetton match on March 4.”
The uncapped midfielder Williams wasn’t the only surplus player released, as Exeter forward Christ Tshiunza and Cardiff lock Teddy Williams were also omitted by Gatland.
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Wales squad (versus France)
Forwards (18):
Rhys Carre (Cardiff Rugby 20 caps)
Wyn Jones (Scarlets – 47 caps)
Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 20 caps)
Ken Owens (Scarlets – 90 caps), Captain
Sam Parry (Ospreys – 5 caps)
Bradley Roberts (Dragons – 4 caps)
Leon Brown (Dragons – 23 caps)
Tomas Francis (Ospreys – 70 caps)
Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Rugby – 49 caps)
Adam Beard (Ospreys – 45 caps)
Rhys Davies (Ospreys – 2 caps)
Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 5 caps)
Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys – 157 caps)
Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 99 caps)
Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 9 caps)
Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 8 caps)
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys – 92 caps)
Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 36 caps)
Backs (14):
Kieran Hardy (Scarlets – 17 caps)
Rhys Webb (Ospreys – 39 caps)
Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 44 caps)
Dan Biggar (Toulon – 106 caps)
Rhys Patchell (Scarlets – 22 caps)
Owen Williams (Ospreys – 6 caps)
Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby – 2 caps)
Joe Hawkins (Ospreys – 5 caps)
George North (Ospreys – 112 caps)
Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 26 caps)
Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 48 caps)
Rio Dyer (Dragons – 6 caps)
Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets – 98 caps)
Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby – 24 caps)
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What a miserable life you must have Hamish - every article a negative slant on what might otherwise be good news stories. Despite your claims, NZRU did OK in terms of process in appointing a new coach - they were dammed if they did, dammed if they didn't so there was no perfect time to do this appointment. In the meantime, most of us rugby fans are delighted and excited by what Scott will bring to this ABs team - it will be one of the most looked forward to coaching appointments for years...
Go to commentsThe wales South Africa game was far more physical than the England NZ semi. Empty the tank, what a joke. They got beaten by smart tactics by Rassie in the final. The same way Eddie outwitted Hansen. Wales emptied the tank against the Springboks. They clearly had nothing left.
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