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Monday, October 17, 2011

Rugby World Cup: Wales retain backline for Wallabies

George North in action against France. Photo / Brett Phibbs

George North in action against France. Photo / Brett Phibbs


Wales coach Warren Gatland has stuck with the same backline which started in the semifinal loss to France.

But he has also made three changes to his pack due to suspension, injury and exhaustion for Friday's third-place playoff against Australia at the Rugby World Cup.

Ryan Jones joins the backrow to replaced suspended captain Sam Warburton, with Toby Faletau switching from No. 8 to the vacant openside flank. Paul James replaces injured tighthead Adam Jones and Bradley Davies comes into the second row to rest Alun Wyn Jones.

Frontrower Gethin Jenkins will take over as captain.

Warburton was suspended for three weeks after being red carded in the 18th minute of the 9-8 semifinal loss to France last Saturday for a dangerous tip tackle on French winger Vincent Clerc.

Wales:

1. Gethin Jenkins (c)
2. Huw Bennett
3. Paul James
4. Bradley Davies
5. Luke Charteris
6. Danny Lydiate
7. Toby Faletau
8. Ryan Jones
9. Mike Phillips
10. James Hook
11. Shane Williams
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathan Davies
14. George North
15. Leigh Halfpenny

Replacements:

16. Lloyd Burns
17. Ryan Bevington
18. Alun Wyn Jones
19. Andy Powell
20. Lloyd Williams
21. Stephen Jones
22. Scott Williams

- AP

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