Wales have named an unchanged team for Saturday’s Grand Slam decider against Ireland after Liam Williams was cleared to play. The Saracens back had been rated as doubtful for the encounter at the Principality Stadium after failing to finish last week’s 18-11 win over Scotland due to a shoulder injury.
Williams’ availability is a huge boost to coach Warren Gatland’s plans, having been outstanding in Wales’ pursuit of a third Grand Slam since Gatland’s appointment in 2007. With Williams keeping his place at fullback, it means Gatland can stick with Gareth Anscombe at fly-half, with Dan Biggar named among the replacements once more.
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With Ireland and also England, who face Scotland immediately after Wales’ game, still able to win the Six Nations, should the Welsh lose, Gatland is delighted to be able to stick with the same XV that has served him so well during the championship as they seek a 14th successive Test win.
“We’ve named an unchanged squad and rewarded the players for the last couple of outings and the last couple of victories,” said Gatland, who will take charge of his 50th and last Six Nations game ahead of leaving later in the year. “These players are on a very good run, they are a hugely impressive group and they deserve to be going into the final weekend with everything to play for.
“It is a great reward for them for the hard work they have put in and we are all looking forward to what is going to be a huge game. “For a number of us as coaches this is our last Six Nations game and the fact that it is in Cardiff is extra special. There is bound to be a bit of emotion on Saturday and that is something to embrace.”
Wales: L Williams; G North, J Davies, H Parkes, J Adams; G Anscombe, G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, T Francis, A Beard, AW Jones (capt), J Navidi, R Moriarty, J Tipuric. Replacements: E Dee, N Smith, D Lewis, J Ball, A Wainwright, A Davies, D Biggar, O Watkin.
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