Five Blue & Blacks named by Wales

Five Cardiff Rugby stars have been selected for Wales’ Autumn Nations Series clash against Australia at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.

Cameron Winnett and Ben Thomas hold onto their starting spots following defeat to Fiji- with in form Mason Grady ruled out of the campaign - and they are joined by Ellis Bevan and James Botham in the starting XV. Keiron Assiratti is also included on the bench.

In total there are seven Cardiff pathway products in the squad and seven, who have represented the Blue & Blacks first team.

Gatland said: “We have had honest reviews after last week’s match. There were some things we did well that we are looking to build on, but we need to be more accurate and disciplined especially in key moments.

"We’re expecting an Australia side on a high after their win against England. They are a much-improved side since the summer and have played a number of Test matches since we last met. We know we need to put in an 80-minute performance on Sunday.”


Wales team to face Australia | Tîm Cymru i wynebu Awstralia

15. Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 8 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 4 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby / Caerloyw – 3 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 5 caps)
11. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 1 cap)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby / Caerloyw – 38 caps)
9.  Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 4 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys / Gweilch – 34 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys / Gweilch – 16 caps) captain / capten
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby / Caerfaddon – 4 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 34 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Ospreys / Gweilch – 57 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 14 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys / Gweilch – 16 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons / Dreigiau – 51 caps)

Replacements / Eilyddion

16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 42 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers / Caerlŷr – 47 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 8 caps)
19. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs / Caerwysg – 13 caps)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers / Caerlŷr – 21 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons / Dreigiau – 3 caps)
22. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 16 caps)
23. Eddie James (Scarlets – 1 cap)