Sevens sensation Morgan gets the nod

Ospreys wing Luke Morgan will make his Wales debut in tomorrow’s Doddie Weir Cup match against Scotland at the Principality Stadium.

Morgan, Wales’ record tryscorer on the world sevens circuit, returned to Ospreys colours this season following a six-year stint in rugby’s abbreviated format and made a first Guinness PRO14 appearance in September.

Elsewhere, there is a recall for Ospreys flanker Dan Lydiate, whose last international appearance was 11 months ago, with lock Alun Wyn Jones captaining a team that contains seven British and Irish Lions Test players.

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said: “It’s great to reward players on form, and we’re looking forward to seeing Luke make his debut. He’s come through the sevens system, he will bring a point of difference to the squad and it’s a great opportunity for him.”

Dragons forward Cory Hill partners Jones in the second row, and Cardiff Blues back Gareth Anscombe is handed the stand-off role for only his fourth start in that position from 19 Test appearances. Centre Jonathan Davies is back in midfield following his recovery from a serious foot injury suffered during the 2017 autumn Tests.

There are also opportunities for props Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis, with uncapped Blues stand-off Jarrod Evans on the bench.

Wales are without Englandbased quartet Liam Williams, Dan Biggar, Josh Adams and Tomas Francis as the game falls outside World Rugby’s autumn Test window. But head coach Warren Gatland, who is now back at the Wales camp after returning to New Zealand last week – following the death of his father – can still field a side comprising almost 650 caps of international experience.

Howley added: “We are excited to kick off our autumn campaign on Saturday, and it was great to welcome Warren back yesterday.

“Warren has been in constant dialogue with us over the past week, and we have selected a very strong squad for this weekend.”