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Jonathan Davies has handed Wales a huge boost after being deemed fit to face France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final this weekend.
The two-time Lion has been a fitness doubt for the past week after injuring his knee whilst sending Josh Adams over for a try in the 29 – 17 victory over Fiji .
There were initial fears that the injury was serious but Davies underwent s cans towards the end of last week, which came back clear.
Elsewhere, fly-half Dan Biggar is fit to start the game after suffering head knocks in consecutive games against Australia and Fiji. He will partner Gareth Davies at half-back.
The Northampton Saint was left on the turf after a nasty collision with team-mate Liam Williams in Oita last Wednesday.
Hadleigh Parkes has recovered from a shoulder knock he suffered against Uruguay to start in the midfield alongside his Scarlets team-mate.
Winger George North is also back fit and ready to go after facing Fiji with a sore ankle.
Liam Williams and Josh Adams complete a dangerous back three.
In summary, it is the same starting XV that beat Australia in the crunch pool D match last month.
Wales:Liam Williams; George North, Jonathan Davies, Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis; Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones; Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi.
Reps:Elliot Dee, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Ross Moriarty, Tomos Williams, Rhys Patchell, Owen Watkin
And you can catch that and all the latest news from Japan in the live blog below.
Memories against France?
WG:“The worst memory is the World Cup semi-final in 2011.
“The best memory? I’m not sure… this Sunday. ”
‘We do a lot of different scenarios, we work on different situations’
On training …
WG: “Alun Wyn got yellow carded the
“We do a lot of different scenarios, we work on different situations.
“Penalty situations, big moments, kicking into the corner. You have to talk about that.
“The scoreboard becomes important in knockout stages.
“It’s definitely part of things that we look at in training and often yellow card situations.”
‘This is what you do all the hard work for’
What excites you about these Weeks?
WG:“Not just as coaches but as players, this is what you do all the hard work for.
“As a coaching group, we’ve had a lot of success in big matches when it’s really mattered and counted.
“Whether that’s Grand Slam games, Lions tours, European or Premiership finals with Wasps.
“ We’ve got a good formula of getting things right.
“It’s not just physical, it’s about being mentally right.
“We’re in a good place, we’ve prepared well.
“ But you can ‘t play the game before you’re ready and the trip to the ground is about 40 minutes as well.
“It’s about staying relaxed and not getting to built up too early.
“It’s all done from a coaching perspective now, it’s all up to the players in the next 48 hours to take control. ”
‘We haven’ t given an 80 minute performance here ‘
The pressure is on, do you see a side that loves that pressure?
WG:“It’s just another game of rugby but we know how important it is.
“ We’re very focused on wanting to go out there
“There is a lot of confidence in this squad. We haven’t given an 80 minute performance
“We’ve had three really good sessions this week. Anything could happen in international rugby.
“If you’re good enough, then you win the games.
“We’re in a good place and we’re really positive about the way we prepared.”
‘We go into the France game with a lot of belief ‘- Gatland
WG on France: “ They’ve only played three games. We expect them to go back to the team that played against Argentina.
“They’ve got a couple of injury concerns so it will be interesting to see what their final selection is.
“We’ve won seven of the last eight games against them.
“They’ve always been close games but we go in with a lot of belief and a lot of self confidence.
“We’re really excited about the game.
“ The support in Japan has been phenomenal. We feel like we’re playing at home a little bit.
“The roof will be shut on Sunday so the weather conditions shouldn’t deter
“We’re feeling positive about the way we have prepared.
“There’s been an edge this week. The players have been incredibly professional.
“Staff have done extra work to try and nail off every situation because we know we’re in the knockout stages. ”
Dan Biggar: ‘He’s been fit for three or four days and is desperate to play’
WG: “He felt better after the game. We made sure we consulted the right people.
“He’s been scanned.
“We feel that we’ve gone through the due diligence and covered all the bases.
“ He’s been fit for three or four days.
“He’s desperate to play but we’ve been conscious of other players taking knocks in the past.
“If he gets a knock in the next couple of games or next couple of months, there may be a different course of action.”
Wales’ press conference begins: Davies and Parkes update
Here we go.
Warren Gatland is in the building.
We start with center injuries …
WG: “” Hadleigh [Parkes] took a full part in today’s session.
“Jonathan [Davies] trained two days ago, so he was fit.
“As a squad, we’re pretty happy really.
“ There are still a couple of sore bodies but in a
“Jonathan took a full part in Wednesday’s session, he fully trained today.
“We kept H adleigh out of the rugby on Wednesday but they’re both fit.
“They’ll be ready to go on Sunday.”
Japan coach Jamie Joseph has named his team to face South Africa
Japan coach Jamie Joseph has named his team for the quarter final match against South Africa at Tokyo Stadium on Sunday.
He has madeone change to the team that started against Scotland, with Ryohei Yamanaka coming in at full-back to replace William Tupou, who drops out of the 23.
There are five changes to the Brave Blossoms side that lost to 41 – 7 to South Africa in a World Cup warm-up game.
Japan:(Ryohei Yamanaka,) Kotaro Matsushima, 13 Timothy Lafaele, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Kenki Fukuoka, 10 Yu Tamura, 9 Yutaka Nagare, 1 Keita Inagaki, 2 Shota Horie , 3 Jiwon Koo, 4 Luke Thompson, 5 James Moore, 6 Michael Leitch (capt), 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 8 Kazuki Himeno.
Replacements:Atsushi Sakate, Isileli Nakajima, Asaeli Ai Valu, Wimpie van der Walt, Amanaki Lelei Mafi, Fumiaki Tanaka, Rikiya Matsuda, Lomano Lava Lemeki.
You cansee the full team news hereafter the Springboks made 13 changes to their side.
WRU reveal more details on Dan Biggar
The WRU have revealed what protocols were followed to ensure Dan Biggar was fir to play Sunday’s match.
A spokesman said: “Following Dan Biggar’s concussion sustained in an accidental collision in the match against Fiji, the WRU have worked collaboratively with World Rugby to deliver the highest level of care for Dan.
“Dan has remained symptom free since the game and has completed the graduated return to play with no issues. Management has included MRI scanning and two consultations with a globally renowned Independent Concussion Consultant from Australia.
“We are pleased to say that given that all return to play protocols have been met, imaging being normal and ratification from the Independent Concussion Consultant, that Dan has been deemed fit to play.
“The WRU continues to ensure that player welfare is at the fore of our decision making processes and is independent of the any team or competition. “
Rhys Carre and Adam Beard now on board
The biggest shock may well be the inclusion of Rhys Carre on the bench ahead of Nicky Smith.
Adam Beard also comes in.
Carre has started just three games of professional regional rugby in his career and now faces the prospect of playing a part in a Rugby World Cup quarter fina L. **********
No Leigh Halfpenny
As probably expected Leigh Halfpenny is the victim of Wales’ injury concerns.
Owen Watkin is preferred to him on the replacements bench – providing center cover for Jonathan Davies or Hadleigh Parkes, both of whom will still have question marks over their ability to play 80 minutes.
Alun Wyn Jones Jones breaks Wales’ Rugby World Cup cap record
Skipper Jones will break Wales’ Rugby World Cup cap record on Sunday, surpassing Gethin Jenkins as he competes in his 19 th game at a global gathering.
Other injury doubts prove fitness
There were also some question marks over a couple of other key players.
But Hadleigh Parkes has recovered from a shoulder knock he suffered against Uruguay to start in the midfield alongside his Scarlets team-mate.
Winger George North is also back fit and ready to go after facing Fiji with a sore ankle. Liam Williams and Josh Adams complete a dangerous back three.
Dan Biggar makes it
The other headline news is that fly-half Dan Biggar is fit to start the game after suffering head knocks in consecutive games against Australia and Fiji. He will partner Gareth Davies at half-back.
The Northampton Saint was left on the turf after a nasty collision with team-mate Liam Williams in
He has seen an independent specialist, as per World Rugby guidelines, and has recovered in time to face Les Bleus. fly-half Dan Biggar is fit to start the game after suffering head knocks in consecutive games against Australia and Fiji. He will partner Gareth Davies at half-back.
The Northampton Saint was left on the turf after a nasty collision with team-mate Liam Williams in Oita last Wednesday.
Jonathan Davies provides Gatland with major boost
Jonathan Davies has handed Wales a huge boost after being deemed fit to face France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final this weekend.
The two-time Lion has been a fitness doubt for the past week after injuring his knee whilst sending Josh Adams over for a try in The 29 – 17 victory over Fiji.
There were initial fears that the injury was serious but Davies underwent scans towards the end of last week, which came back clear. He returned to preparations earlier this week, training in front of the media on Wednesday with his left leg heavily strapped.
It remains unclear as to whether or not Davies still has work to do to prove his fitness ahead of the game, though he did begin to take part in contact drills as media access to training ended on Friday morning.
The starting XV in full
Wales:1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) ( Caps 2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) Caps) 3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) Caps 4. Jake Ball (Scarlets) Caps 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) Caps (CAPT) 6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (Caps) 7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) Caps) 8. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues) Caps 9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (Caps) 10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) 76 Caps) 11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) 18 Caps) 12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (Caps) . Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) 79 Caps ) 14. George North (Ospreys) (Caps) . Liam Williams (Saracens) (Caps)
Replacements:16 . Elliot Dee (Dragons) 26 Caps) 17. Rhys Carre (Saracens) (3 Caps) 18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) (Caps) . Adam Beard (Ospreys) 17 Caps) 20. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) 38 Caps) 21. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) (Caps) 22. Rhys Patchell (Scarlets) 17 Caps) 23 . Owen Watkin (Ospreys) 19 Caps)
KEY EVENT
Wales name same to play France
Wales have named the same starting XV that beat Australia in their Pool D clash for Sunday’s Rugby World Cu p quarter-final against France.
Warren Gatland’s side finished top of Pool D with four wins from four and have returned to Oita for this weekend’s encounter .
Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis once again comprise the front-row.
Captain Alun Wyn Jones, who packs down alongside Jake Ball in the second-row, will move third on the all-time international appearance list on Sunday, level with Brian O’Driscoll on (tests) 132 for Wales plus 9 British & Irish Lions appearances).
Aaron Wainwright, who has featured in every game for Wales at Japan 2019 lines up at six alongside Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi.
Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar are named at half-back with Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies partnering in midfield.
The tournament’s joint top try scorer Josh Adams lines up in the back-three alongside George North and Liam Williams.
On the bench Elliot Dee, Rhys Carre and Dillon Lewis provide the front -row cover with Adam Beard and Ross Moriarty completing the forward contingent. Tomos Williams, Rhys Patchell and Owen Watkin provide the backline cover.
Owen Farrell told ‘spend less time captaining and more on your game
Eddie Jones has urged Owen Farrell to put focus back on himself ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final with Australia in Oita.
Recognizing his captain had spent too much time sorting out other squad members during the pool games, head coach Jones “had a chat” with Farrell.
He said: “I feel like sometimes, maybe earlier in the tournament, he spent too much time in the captaincy area and not enough on his own individual prep, but I’ve seen a real change in that this week.
“When you are captain, you’ve got more responsibilities, and as you go on as a captain you learn how to get the balance right .
“The responsibility of being captain at the World Cup is much larger than normal test matches, because you’re bringing a group of 31 players together for … how long have we been together now? Eight or nine weeks.
“You get all the family issues. You go to the dinner table, one brother is happy, one brother is unhappy. Someone doesn’t know if they are happy or not. He’s the father of that group so to speak. His ability to delegate, to know what to say to players is a challenging experience for a young guy like him. ”
All Blacks coach aiming for double celebration on Saturday
Steve Hansen is looking forward to the prospect of a famous sporting double this weekend. The horse that the New Zealand coach co-owns will be galloping for glory in one of the richest races in the world just a few hours before he intends to steer the All Blacks into the winner’s enclosure at Tokyo Stadium.
The 60 – year-old is hoping to catch TV coverage of his horse Nature Strip competing in The Everest – the world’s richest race on turf, boasting a prize pot of 14 million Australian dollars – which is held at Royal Randwick racecourse in Sydney and attracts the best sprinters on the planet.
“It’s a highlight to have a horse running in a race like The Everest but there’s not a lot I can do,” he said.
“I can’t ride him, I can’t carry him, I can’t train him – so it’s just a matter of sitting back and enjoying that for what it is. ”
Eddie Jones fires warning at Wallabies
England coach Eddie Jones has fired a warning at Saturday’s quarter-final opponents Australia.
“The great thing about the W orld Cup is that every game is a knock-out, ”said Jones. “No-one has won a World Cup after losing a game and there’s a reason for that.
“ It’s do-or-die time. You see those hills at the back of us? That’s where all the samurais lived. Every time the samurais fought, one lived and one died.
“It will be the same on Saturday; someone is going to live and someone is going to die. That’s what the game is about and that’s the excitement of the game. This weekend we have the best eight teams, all playing for their lives. ”
Hansen not getting emotional about leaving All Blacks
Warren Gatland isn’t the only coach calling time on a lengthy reign in Test coaching after this World Cup.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will call time on his spell with New Zealand but he’s not thinking too much about what he’ll do after this tournament is done.
“It’ll affect me when I finish because you haven’t got room to get gaga emotional, ”he said.
“ You’re here to do a job and the team is bigger than the individual, always has been, always will be.
“The jersey and the legacy of the jersey demands you to be there 100 per cent, giving 100 per cent of what you got, you haven’t got time to be thinking about yourself, you’ll be thinking about the job you got to do.
“When the tournament is over, whenever that is, you step back and I’ll have a reflection on what’s next, what’s life going to be like, etc etc, in the meantime it’s not even in your mind. ”
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