Wales field top team for Fiji challenge

A patched-up Wales are taking no chances against Fiji naming their top available side on Tuesday for the crucial Pool A game.

Matthew Morgan gets his first start at fullback and Tyler Morgan makes his World Cup debut at centre among the three injury-forced changes for Thursday’s match at Millennium Stadium.

All three changes are in the backs after Scott Williams and Hallam Amos were ruled out of the tournament because of injuries suffered during the 28-25 victory over England and Liam Williams is unavailable to play Fiji after being concussed in the game.

Warren Gatland has kept the same Sam Warburton-led pack that started in Wales first two matches while backs George North, Jamie Roberts, Dan Biggar and Gareth Davies will also be starting their third consecutive game.

Attack coach Rob Howley said there was no room to rest leading players as Wales “had to keep momentum” in the ‘pool of death’.

Of the two players brought into the squad to replace Scott Williams and Amos – James Hook and Gareth Anscombe – Hook will start off the bench.

Wales have now had to replace six players from their World Cup squad, three more than any other side in the tournament.

Wales have won their first two games in the pool, against Uruguay and England, while the only other unbeaten team Australia have beaten Uruguay and Fiji.

Team (15-1)

Matthew Morgan; Alex Cuthbert, Tyler Morgan, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Taulupe Faletau, Sam Warburton (c), Dan Lydiate; Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies; Tom Francis, Scott Baldwin, Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Aaron Jarvis, Samson Lee, Luke Charteris, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, James Hook.

Coach: Warren Gatland (NZL)

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