PRESS RELEASE FROM WELSH RUGBY UNION
Issued 24 November, 2009
GATLAND STICKS TO HIS GUNS
Dwayne Peel will start at scrum half for Wales in the Invesco Perpetual Series 09 climax against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (kick-of 5.15pm) in the solitary change to the starting line-up from the side which recorded a 33-16 victory over Argentina last week.
The 71-times capped former national captain replaces Cardiff Blues' Gareth Cooper, who has been handed the chance to face the touring Wallabies wearing his regional colours this evening (Tuesday). Scarlets scrum half Martin Roberts takes up Peel's position on the bench in the only other change to the match day 22 which downed the Pumas.
Ryan Jones becomes only the fifth player, in 127 captains, to lead his country for the 20th time and elsewhere Jonathan Thomas is poised to make his 50th international appearance should he be utilised from the bench.
Head coach Warren Gatland's message is clear as he says 'same again' to the forward pack which saw off the Pumas and retains the bulk of the creative backline which crossed for three tries last time out as he attempts to retain the James Bevan Trophy.
"We were pretty pleased with the performance against Argentina, we matched them up front, our defence held up well and we are starting to show a more clinical edge in attack," said Gatland.
"Dwayne comes into the side in a straight swap for Gareth, allowing two Welsh scrum halves a shot at the Wallabies in the space of a week and ensuring both players have the chance to benefit from the experience.
"That decision is primarily about putting the interests of the player and of Welsh regional rugby first, but elsewhere we are looking for the same again from the bulk of the side who beat the 2007 World Cup semi-finalists.
"There is still improvement left in us and we feel we need to go up a couple more gears if we are to achieve what we want against Australia, but we are coming to the end of the Series and the players feel they are starting to get into their stride.
"The level of performance is improving throughout the squad as we spend more and more time together and we hope to get a little nearer the peak of our powers at the weekend."
Wales' record against Australia shows two wins, a draw and three losses in the last six meetings and although Gatland is no slave to the history books he does concede his side enjoy playing the Wallabies.
"They will be gunning for us but this Wales squad hasn't feared Australia, has had some success in recent history and enjoys playing them in what are always tough encounters," said Gatland.
"The Wallabies were incredibly unlucky last weekend and they won't want a repeat of that losing experience in Cardiff. They may be coming to the end of a long and gruelling tour, but they won't allow themselves to have one eye on that plane back to the Australian summer, until they have thrown everything at us and emptied the tank at the Millennium Stadium.
"They are one of the top three teams in world rugby and we have no right to expect anything other than the sternest of tests - both physically and mentally - on Saturday, but we feel we are up to it."
WALES: James Hook; Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Paul James, Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (captain).
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Dan Lydiate, Martin Roberts, Andrew Bishop, Tom James
