Wales name team to face Scotland in first autumn international

Ospreys winger Luke Morgan makes his debut

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Jon Doel

14:28, 1 NOV 2018
Updated14:31, 1 NOV 2018

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Winger Luke Morgan is to make his Wales debut against Scotland at the Principality Stadium this Saturday.

The former Sevens star, who has made an impressive start to his Ospreys career, will start on the wing alongside George North and Leigh Halfpenny in the back three, with Cardiff Blues outside-half Jarrod Evans named on the bench and is also set for his first international appearance.

Eight Lions in total are named for Wales, including Jonathan Davies who plays for his country for the first time since 2017 having been plagued by injury report Wales Online.

He partners regional team-mate Hadleigh Parkes in the midfield, with Gareth Anscombe and Gareth Davies at half-back.

Nicky Smith, Ken Owens and Dillon Lewis are in the front row.

Cory Hill and captain Alun Wyn Jones continue start in the second-row, with Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty linking up to make an all Lions back-row.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is now back with the squad after flying home to New Zealand following the death of his father.

“We are excited to kick off our autumn campaign on Saturday and it was great to welcome Warren back yesterday,” said Rob Howley.

“Warren has been in constant dialogue with us over the past week and we have selected a very strong squad for this weekend.

“It is great to reward players on form and we are looking forward to seeing Luke make his debut on the wing. He has come through the Sevens system, he will bring a point of difference to the squad and it’s a great opportunity for him. Likewise it will be good to see Jarrod from the bench and hopefully seeing some x-factor from him.

“We have created good strength in depth, especially from the summer and have a nice balance bringing seven Lions back into the team.

“We are very respectful of this Scotland team and are looking forward to what should be a great opening match”

Elliot Dee, Rob Evans and Leon Brown provide the front-row cover on the bench with Adam Beard and Aaron Wainwright completing the forward contingent. Tomos Williams, uncapped Evans and Scarlets wing Steff Evans complete the replacements.