Gatland urges Wales to ‘step it up’ as Biggar returns

Warren Gatland challenged Wales to “step it up” as he named Dan Biggar as one of three changes to his starting line-up for the World Cup warm-up match against England on Saturday.

Wales missed the chance to replace New Zealand at the top of the rankings when they were beaten 33-19 by an experimental England side at Twickenham last weekend.

Gareth Anscombe suffered a knee injury which will keep him out of the World Cup in Japan as Eddie Jones’ men ended the Grand Slam winners’ 14-match winning run.

Biggar comes in at fly-half to replace Anscombe, while flanker James Davies and lock Jake Ball come in for the injured Adam Beard and Justin Tipuric in Cardiff.

Fit-again flanker Josh Navidi was named among the replacements, but scrum-half Tomos Williams (shoulder) remains sidelined.

Wales head coach Gatland said: “We were disappointed to get the loss last weekend, so it is important we step it up on Saturday and put in a big display in front of a packed Principality Stadium.

“The squad are looking forward to getting back out there, taking another step towards the Rugby World Cup and putting in a big performance.”

Wales have named their team for Saturday’s sell-out match against England in Cardiff  Tri newid i’r XV cychwynnol am yr her fawr yng Nghaerdydd yn erbyn Lloegr. #HWFN pic.twitter.com/sMFsiRAH1a

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) August 15, 2019

Wales team to face England on Saturday: Liam Williams, George North, Jonathan Davies, Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Nicky Smith, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (captain), Aaron Wainwright, James Davies, Ross Moriarty.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi, Aled Davies, Jarrod Evans, Owen Watkin.

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta