CARDIFF, Wales — For the upcoming autumn rugby test on Sunday, Wales is set to introduce New Zealand-born winger Blair Murray to the team. Murray has qualified to play for Wales through his mother and has made six appearances for the Scarlets, showcasing his talent by scoring tries in his last two games.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland expressed enthusiasm about Murray’s inclusion, highlighting his background and skills. “He came through the New Zealand pathway, and we were thrilled when he decided to play for us,” Gatland noted on Friday. “He offers us a left-footed option that we haven’t had recently, contributes effectively in offense, and is solid defensively.”
Murray’s addition is part of a revamped backline following Wales’s 2-0 series defeat to Australia during their summer tour. The experienced duo of Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe will return to the halves, with Anscombe making his first appearance since the previous Rugby World Cup over a year ago. Ben Thomas, who played flyhalf in July, will shift to a different position in the lineup.
Max Llewellyn, who featured in the recent World Cup warm-ups, will take on the center position for the third time, while Mason Grady, who played inside center in July, will now be positioned on the wing. Additionally, locks Adam Beard and Will Rowlands are back after missing out on the summer tour.
The squad also includes tighthead prop Archie Griffin, who returns to starting duty after debuting in the Six Nations. Griffin battled a previously undetected heart condition in September while on the field for his club Bath. After being medically cleared, he made a comeback from the bench last weekend to demonstrate his fitness.
To relieve pressure on the forwards who have had limited game time recently, Gatland decided on a 6-2 split on the bench. This strategy allows for more support in the front row, particularly with Griffin, Gareth Thomas, Beard, and backup flanker Jac Morgan not having much playtime.
On the other side, Fiji is bringing back its European-based players who were unavailable for last weekend’s match against Scotland, which was outside the international window. Fiji suffered a significant loss of 57-17 to Scotland at Murrayfield.
Fiji co-captains Waisea Nayacalevu and Josua Tuisova will bolster the midfield, while Semi Radradra and Jiuta Wainiqolo will occupy the wings. Sireli Maqala, recognized for his strong performances and named in the French Top 14 team of the month for both September and October, finds himself on the bench.
The team will also see the addition of Saracens loosehead Eroni Mawi and Northampton lock Temo Mayanavanua to strengthen the forwards.
Wales is eager to break its losing streak, having not yet secured a win this year. They aim to avoid a 10th consecutive defeat, which would equal a record last seen in 2002-03. Historically, Wales has had the upper hand against Fiji, winning their last six encounters, including a thrilling clash during last year’s World Cup, and they have never lost at home to the Fijian side.
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**Lineups:**
Wales: Cameron Winnett, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Blair Murray, Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taine Plumtree, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (captain), Gareth Thomas. Reserves: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Christ Tshiunza, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow.
Fiji: Vuate Karawalevu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (co-captain), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere (co-captain), Eroni Mawi. Reserves: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Simi Kuruvoli, Isaiah Ravula, Sireli Maqala.
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