There’s no messing around when it comes to the first game of the World Cup as Gatland names an experienced side to take on Georgia in their opener in Toyota on Monday (KO 19.15 local, 11.15am UK).
Captain Alun Wyn Jones will equal the record of most test appearances for his country when he draws level with Gethin Jenkins on 129 Welsh caps.
Jones will pack down in the second row alongside Jake Ball with Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi named in the back-row.Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis comprise the front-row.
Ten of Wales’ starting XV have RWC experience and that includes at half-back where Gareth Davies will line-up alongside Dan Biggar.
Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies are named in the midfield with Josh Adams, George North and Liam Williams named in the back-three for Wales’ opening test.
On the bench Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis are named as the front row replacements with Aaron Shingler and Ross Moriarty completing the forward cover. Tomos Williams, Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny complete the matchday 23.
WALES TEAM TO FACE GEORGIA, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23 KO 19.15 (11.15am UK)
1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (13 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) (67 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (43 Caps)
4. Jake Ball (Scarlets) (36 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (128 Caps) (CAPT)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (12 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (66 Caps)
8. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues) (19 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (44 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) (73 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) (14 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (18 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (76 Caps)
14. George North (Ospreys) (86 Caps)
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) (58 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) (22 Caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (31 Caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) (15 Caps)
19. Aaron Shingler (Scarlets) (20 Caps)
20. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) (34 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) (9 Caps)
22. Rhys Patchell (Scarlets) (13 Caps)
23. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets) (82 Caps)
