CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Wales will debut New Zealand-born winger Blair Murray against a Fiji restocked with its European backline stars for their autumn rugby test on Sunday.
Murray qualified through his mother. He's played six times for Scarlets and scored tries in their last two matches.
“He came through the New Zealand pathway,” coach Warren Gatland said on Friday. “We were pretty excited when he committed to us. He gives us a left-footed option which we haven't had in a while. He gets touches and defends well.”
Murray was in a backline refurbished after the 2-0 series loss to the Wallabies in Australia in July.
Experienced halves Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe return. Anscombe last appeared at the Rugby World Cup more than a year ago. Ben Thomas, the flyhalf in July, moves out one spot.
Gloucester center Max Llewellyn will play his third test after debuting in the World Cup warmups. Mason Grady, the inside center in July, is out on the wing.
Locks Adam Beard and Will Rowlands return after missing the summer tour.
Tighthead prop Archie Griffin, who debuted in the Six Nations, also starts. He suffered from a previously unknown heart condition in September while in action for his Bath club. When he was finally cleared, he came off the bench last weekend to prove his fitness.
Gatland went for a 6-2 split on the bench to ease the load on the forwards because both props, Griffin and Gareth Thomas, Beard, and backup flanker Jac Morgan haven't played a lot lately.
Meanwhile, Fiji welcomed back its European-based players on Friday after they were unavailable to play Scotland last weekend because that match was outside the international window. Fiji lost 57-17 at Murrayfield.
Co-captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Josua Tuisova fill the midfield, and Semi Radradra and Jiuta Wainiqolo are on the wings.
Sireli Maqala, the Bayonne center who made the French Top 14 team of the month in September and October, could make only the reserves.
The forwards have been bolstered by Saracens loosehead Eroni Mawi and Northampton lock Temo Mayanavanua.
Wales, yet to win this year, is hoping to avoid a 10th straight defeat which would match its record from 2002-03. Wales has won its last six matches against Fiji, including a thriller at the World Cup last year, and never lost at home to the Fijians.
Lineups:
Wales: Cameron Winnett, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Blair Murray, Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taine Plumtree, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (captain), Gareth Thomas. Reserves: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Christ Tshiunza, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow.
Fiji: Vuate Karawalevu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (co-captain), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere (co-captain), Eroni Mawi. Reserves: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Simi Kuruvoli, Isaiah Ravula, Sireli Maqala.
AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
FILE - Wales' Gareth Anscombe kicks a penalty during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Australia at the OL Stadium in Lyon, France, Sept. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)
