‘Crazy’ dash for selection

JUSTIN Tipuric can see no end to what he calls the “crazy” competition for Wales back-row places.

Wales’ back-row strength is underlined by twice British and Irish Lions tourist Tipuric winning just over half of his 58 caps as a substitute. Even with Sam Warburton no longer part of the selection mix, head coach Warren Gatland remains spoilt for choice.

Wales’ likely starting back-row against Australia on Saturday - Tipuric, Dan Lydiate and Ross Moriarty - are all Lions. Injuries have sidelined a fourth Lion in Taulupe Faletau, plus three of last season’s top Wales performers in Josh Navidi, Aaron Shingler and James Davies.

And when players such as Ellis Jenkins, who skippered Wales to victory against South Africa earlier this year, Aaron Wainwright, plus Thomas Young and Ollie Griffiths - the latter pair did not make the autumn squad - are added, the cupboard is close to bursting point.

“Competition in the back-row is crazy,” Ospreys flanker Tipuric told Press Association. Tipuric is set to make his 29th Wales start this weekend, and his battle with Australia’s twin breakdown threat of Michael Hooper and David Pocock should go some way towards deciding the outcome.

And a Wales victory would be timely, given they have not beaten Australia for 10 years and 13 Tests, while it is also the countries’ final meeting before a World Cup pool clash next September.