Gatland backs Morgan to provide ‘a bit of X factor’ on shock Wales debut

Sevens convert picked after rejoining Ospreys Coach expects ‘proper Test’ against Scotland

Luke Morgan made his Pro14 debut in September and has played just seven games of regional rugby in his life, but Warren Gatland said he believes the sevens convert has “a bit of X factor” about him, after naming the uncapped Ospreys wing in his team to face Scotland at the Principality Stadium tomorrow.

Morgan’s selection ahead of Steff Evans on the left wing completes an extraordinary rise to prominence for the 26-year-old, who stands at just 5ft 9in and weighs little more than 80kg.

The Bridgend-born wing came through Ospreys’ player development pathway, but made just one appearance for the region, off the bench in 2011, before joining the sevens circuit in 2012.

Morgan has scored four tries in six games since rejoining Ospreys this season. “It is giving him an opportunity really,” Gatland explained of his rationale for picking such a callow XVS player. “He has come in and taken his opportunities for the Ospreys and is scoring tries.

“[Defence coach] Shaun Edwards has been really happy with the way he has defended as well. There is a little bit of X factor about him, so there is a bit of competition between him and Steff Evans.”

Morgan will be joined by the experienced duo of George North and Leigh Halfpenny in the back three. “We are looking for a bit more depth [there] and with Josh Adams unavailable, it just strengthens that position. It is a great opportunity and we hope he makes the most of it.”

Wales have named eight British and Irish Lions for the match, which will see both Welsh and Scottish unions make donations to the charity of former Scotland player Doddie Weir.

Jonathan Davies will feature for the first time since 2017, with Scarlets team-mate Hadleigh Parkes alongside him in midfield. Gareth Davies and Gareth Anscombe are the half-backs, with uncapped Cardiff Blues fly-half Jarrod Evans set to make his debut off the bench.

Gatland rejoined the Wales squad on Wednesday, having flown to New Zealand last week following the death of his father. The Kiwi coach said he was expecting a fullblooded match, particularly given the manner of Wales’ 34-7 win over Scotland in this year’s Six Nations.

“It will be a proper Test, I can guarantee that,” he said. “We are not going out there to play festival rugby. If you think back to that game [in February] we were up 14-0 early and that probably changed their mindset. They didn’t stay in the arm wrestle as long as they would have liked; didn’t kick as much as they might have done.

“So I would presume the message from Gregor [Townsend, Scotland’s head coach] will be to stay in the arm wrestle as long as they can.”

Wales team v Scotland at the Principality Stadium tomorrow: Replacements