Wales make 13 changes ahead of second World Cup match against Portugal

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Wales head coach Warren Gatland has opted for fresh legs ahead of his sides second World Cup match against underdogs Portugal on Saturday September 16.

After a nervy 32-26 victory over Fiji in their group opener, Wales have travelled from Bordeaux to Nice where they will face the Portuguese on Saturday for a 4:45pm kick-off.

As well as 13 changes from the side who beat Fiji, Gatland has handed World Cup debuts to four players in a new-look Wales side.

The side to take on Portugal is:

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets)
14. Louis Rees Zammit (Gloucester Rugby)
13. Mason Grady Cardiff Rugby)*
12. Johnny Williams (Scarlets)*
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Suntory Sungoliath)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby)
1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys)*
3. Dillon Lewis (Harlequins)
4. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs)*
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs)
6. Dan Lydiate (Dragons)
7. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby)

Substitutes:

16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets)
17. Corey Domachowski ( Cardiff Rugby)
18. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby)
19. Adam Beard (Ospreys)
20. Taine Basham (Dragons)*
21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets)
22. Sam Costelow (Scarlets)
23. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby)

*player appearing in first Rugby World Cup

Talking about his selection, Gatland said: “We’ve made a few changes this week given the six-day turnaround.

“I’ve said before, but there’s some great competition within the squad which is what we want to see. There’s a chance now for this group to go out Saturday and to put down their own marker in the tournament.

“We’ve done a thorough debrief of last week’s game and know the areas we need to improve. We have a clear plan of how we want to play on Saturday and it’s about going out there and executing that as we have prepared.

“Portugal are a skilful side and will be raring to go this weekend in their first match of the tournament. We’re excited to get back out there and looking forward to seeing more great support from the travelling fans out in Nice.”