Ireland vs Wales team news: Warren Gatland names strong team for final World Cup warm-up in Dublin
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Warren Gatland has named a strong Wales side for their final Rugby World Cup warm-up against Ireland in Dublin. “This is our final preparation match so it is important we get enough rugby into us, get rugby ready ahead of our RWC opener against Georgia which is just over two weeks away,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland. “It is important we hit the ground running in Japan and we give the players enough time on the field.” After Rob Evans’ World Cup omission, Wyn Jones has a chance to press his case for a starting berth at loosehead, with Elliot Dee and Tomas Francis joining him in the front row. In the midfield, Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies are a settled pairing, while Leigh Halfpenny plays just his second international game since last November, starting at full-back Gatland urged his players to make the most of this opportunity ahead of the World Cup.