Roberts in line for surprise Wales recall

Jamie Roberts looks set for a shock Wales recall for Saturday’s clash with New Zealand in Cardiff.

The 31-year-old centre was dropped from the squad last month as Warren Gatland looked to evolve his team’s attacking game.

Roberts’ traditional strengths of getting over the gain-line and making carries were cast aside for the playmaking ability of Gloucester’s Owen Williams at inside centre as Gatland looked to employ a twin playmaker system, similar to the one he used with the British and Irish Lions. But, all the signs point to Roberts returning.

Shaun Edwards, the Wales defence coach, said: “If he plays, Jamie would probably defend at 12 and we would swap the centres round in attack. It’s a lot to ask Jamie to defend at 13. He’s such a big man, but it would be nice to see him and Sonny Bill Williams having a collision.”

Jonathan Davies’ six-month absence with a serious foot injury has left Gatland needing to fill the Wales outside centre berth. The out-of-form Scott Williams and youngster Owen Watkin are options to consider, but Roberts looks most likely to get the nod.

A start against Steve Hansen’s All Blacks would complete a remarkable turnaround. Roberts missed out on selection for the Lions to face New Zealand at the last minute, instead leading a second-string Wales outfit to wins over Tonga and Samoa. He was a late injury call-up to Wales this month and is now in line to be given a chance to resurrect his international career this weekend.

Gatland will name his team tomorrow morning, but Liam Williams is out with an abdominal injury. His absence means Leigh Halfpenny will return at full-back with Steffan Evans and Hallam Amos likely to play on the wings.

Loose forward Ardie Savea has become the latest All Black to contract the mumps. Centre Jack Goodhue was hit prior to departure from New Zealand, while wing Rieko Ioane was then laid low in London.