Wales replace Leigh Halfpenny with Liam Williams
Liam Williams will start at fullback for Wales
©PA
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made one change to the starting line up ahead of the Six Nations opener against Ireland.
Leigh Halfpenny, who was part of the original side named by Wales has suffered a back spasm in training and will miss what will be his 99th cap for his country.
His place at fullback has been taken by Liam Williams.
Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys confirmed the news on Halfpenny.
“Unfortunately, Leigh had a back spasm this morning and Liam will be playing,” he said.
“I think it’s more disappointing for him as a person. He is an unbelievable professional and an unbelievable person.
“He has got to pick himself up again. You feel for him that he’s got to pull out at this late stage.
“Liam is good to go.”
Wales XV: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Josh Adams, 13 George North, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Jac Morgan, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Adam Beard, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens (c), 1 Gareth Thomas
Reserves: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Dafydd Jenkins, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Owen Williams, 23 Alex Cuthbert
