THREE Dragons start in the Wales pack for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up clash with Ireland in Dublin.
Hooker Elliot Dee and back row forwards Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty are all in the XV for the clash at the Aviva Stadium, the last fixture before Warren Gatland’s men head for Japan.
Dee starts for the first time this summer after coming off the bench against England, home and away, and in the loss to Ireland in Cardiff.
Wainwright returns to the starting line-up at blindside after being a replacement last week when he was a late call-up because number eight Moriarty had a hip problem.
Gatland has named a strong side captained by talisman Alun Wyn Jones.
“This is our final preparation match so it is important we get enough rugby into us, get rugby ready ahead of our RWC opener against Georgia which is just over two weeks away,” said the head coach.
“It is important we hit the ground running in Japan and we give the players enough time on the field.
“Saturday is the first time these players would have taken to the field as members of the RWC squad, it has been a big week and it is a big opportunity for players to put their hand up and secure spots for the starting XV in Japan.”
Wales have named their side for their final preparation match ahead of @rugbyworldcup 🏴 Mae'r capten yn dychwelyd i arwain Cymru yn y gêm olaf cyn Cwpan y Byd. #HWFN pic.twitter.com/nTnXUXJKgE
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) September 5, 2019
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