Blair Murray makes Wales debut as Gatland names team for Fiji clash

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named an uncapped player, Scarlets wing Blair Murray, in his squad to face Fiji in their Autumn Nations Series opener on Sunday.

Murray, a 23-year-old New Zealand-born player with Welsh roots, steps into the international arena with just six Scarlets appearances under his belt. His mother hails from Tonyrefail in the Rhondda, making him eligible for selection.

Murray’s rapid rise sees him chosen over regular starter Rio Dyer, who has featured prominently since Gatland resumed his role as head coach. Meanwhile, Mason Grady shifts from his usual position at centre to take the other wing position.

The backline also sees adjustments, with Ben Thomas stepping in at inside centre following his recent performances as a fly-half on Wales' summer tour in Australia.

Gareth Anscombe returns to the number 10 role, marking his comeback from a groin injury that kept him out since last year’s World Cup. Anscombe is joined by Gloucester teammates Max Llewellyn at centre and Tomos Williams at scrum-half, adding a familiar synergy to the lineup.

The forward pack has also seen key returns, as locks Will Rowlands and Adam Beard reunite after missing the Australia tour.

In the back row, Leicester’s Tommy Reffell earns the starting flanker spot, with Jac Morgan among the six forwards listed as substitutes. Notably, Bath prop Archie Griffin, who recently recovered from a minor heart condition, joins Gareth Thomas and captain Dewi Lake in the front row.

Wales will be eager to break a difficult run of form, with nine consecutive defeats since their win over Georgia last year. Another loss would tie Wales' worst run of ten straight defeats, a record set two decades ago. Historically, Wales have dominated their encounters with Fiji, with just one defeat in their 14 previous meetings.

“We have excellent competition in the squad, so it was a tough selection and there were some close calls, but I think there is a really nice balance for Sunday. We have some experienced players back alongside some exciting youngsters," said Gatland.

“We know how dangerous Fiji can be, so we’ve got to make sure that we bring physicality and are ruthless on Sunday. We need to be switched on for the full 80 minutes.

“After four matches away from home, we cannot wait to get back out in front of a home crowd at Principality Stadium.

“It is going to be a fantastic occasion, and we are looking forward to getting our Autumn Nations Series campaign under way.”

Wales XV: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Mason Grady, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Blair Murray, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Taine Plumtree, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Gareth Thomas

Reserves: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 James Botham, 21 Jac Morgan, 22 Ellis Bevan, 23 Sam Costelow