Wales v Fiji: Ross Moriarty and James Davies come into back row
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Gatland explains selection for Fiji match
Rugby World Cup: Wales v Fiji |
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Venue: Oita Stadium, Oita Date: Wed, 9 October Kick-off: 10:45 BST |
Coverage: Full commentary on every Wales game across BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, plus text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Wales have made two back-row changes for their Rugby World Cup game against Fiji on Wednesday in Oita.
James Davies replaces the rested Justin Tipuric, while number eight Ross Moriarty comes in for Aaron Wainwright.
Josh Navidi switches to blind-side flanker as he keeps his place in Warren Gatland's starting team.
Fly-half Dan Biggar is selected having been passed fit after suffering a head injury in Wales' 29-25 victory against Australia in Tokyo.
Wainwright is named as a replacement, while prop Rhys Carre features in a World Cup matchday 23 for the first time,
Carre replaces Nicky Smith in the only other change on the bench.
Wales won their first two Pool D games and will secure a quarter-final place with victory in Oita.
Fiji have made one change to the side who beat Georgia 45-10.
Edinburgh number eight Viliame Mata replaces Peceli Yato, who drops to the bench.
Warren Gatland said Tipuric, who has been outstanding so far in Japan, was "100% fit" but wanted to give other players an opportunity to prove themselves.
"We're still thinking about the bigger picture in terms of hopefully later in the tournament," said Gatland.
"A couple of players get an opportunity. Ross Moriarty coming back is hungry and James Davies as well at seven.
"We've been really happy with Justin Tipuric's form but it just gives us an opportunity to look at someone else. If for some reason he picks up some sort of injury, it shows us whether James can fit into that spot or someone like Josh Navidi can play at seven as well.
"They [Moriarty and Davies] are two guys who are very hungry for an opportunity and Rhys Carre comes on to the bench as well.
"We're keeping everyone on their toes.
"When I said to James and congratulated him, he said, 'You've finally seen the light have you?'
"I loved that, I thought it was brilliant. What a great response. I love a bit banter like that and I have no problem with comments like that.
"It says to me players believe in their own ability. They're in the squad and they think they're good enough to be in the starting side. I thought it was a really good response."
Davies starts alongside older brother Jonathan for the second time in an international and the first time in a World Cup.
The duo will become the third set of Wales brothers to appear in a World Cup match after Richard and Paul Moriarty in 1987 and Scott and Craig Quinnell in 1999.
Wales: L Williams; North, Jonathan Davies, Parkes, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; Wyn Jones, Owens, Francis, Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (C), Navidi, James Davies, Moriarty.
Replacements: Carre, Dee, Lewis, Shingler, Wainwright, T Williams, Patchell, Watkin.
Fiji: Murimurivalu; Tuisova, Nayacalevu, Botia, Radradra; Volavola, Lomani; Ma'afu, S Matavesi, Saulo, Cavubati, Nakarawa, Waqaniburotu (C), Kunatani, Mata
Replacements: Dolokoto, Mawi, Ravai, Ratuniyarawa, Yato, Matawalu, Vatubua, J Matavesi