Wales rugby latest news as Warren Gatland prepares to name his team for Tonga
Keep up to date with all the latest throughout the day
Wales head coach Warren Gatland is considering experimenting with Cory Hill at blindside at some point during the game against Tonga.
The Kiwi is keen to develop players who can operate in more than one position in preparation for next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.
In other news, Wales have had referee Nigel Owens in camp to go over some of the decisions from the Australia game, including the collision that left Leigh Halfpenny concussed.
And on the injury front, Rhys Patchell is in the frame to face the Tonga, while George North and Tomas Francis are receiving treatment for knocks.
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Key Events
Wales’ newest cap Ffion Lewis has revealed how she’s been inspired by the achievements of her superstar brother who rubs shoulders with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Hulk Hogan.
Here’s the full fascinating story from our man Andy Howell.
Ffion Lewis and her superstar brother, Flex
Wales’ squad announcement for the clash with Tonga will certainly be an interesting one, as the big guns are set to be rested ahead of next weekend’s game against South Africa.
Jonah Holmes scoring for Leicester Tigers(Image: 2018 Getty Images)
If you haven’t already, why not have a listen to our latest Welsh Rugby Podcast.
Here’s Wales Women’s new-look side to face Hong Kong on Friday.
https://twitter.com/WelshRugbyUnion/status/1062319374839808001
It’s been a tough old time for Neath RFC of late.
It was revealed earlier in the week that several players had left the Welsh All Blacks ahead of the winding-up petition in 13 days’ time.
And they face a hearing later this month.
The Gnoll(Image: South Wales Evening Post)
Away from Wales, Scotland have named their squad to face South Africa this weekend.
Gregor Townsend has made six changes to the side that started against Fiji last time out for the clash with the Springboks.
Scotland XV to face South Africa: 15. Stuart Hogg; 14. Tommy Seymour,13. Huw Jones, 12. Pete Horne, 11. Sean Maitland; 10. Finn Russell, 9. Greig Laidlaw; 1. Gordon Reid, 2. Stuart McInally, 3. Willem Nel, 4. Ben Toolis, 5. Jonny Gray, 6. Sam Skinner, 7. Hamish Watson, 8. Ryan Wilson.
Replacements: 16. Fraser Brown, 17. Allan Dell, 18. Simon Berghan, 19. Josh Strauss, 20. Jamie Ritchie, 21. Ali Price, 22. Adam Hastings, 23. Chris Harris.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend(Image: PA)
A reminder that there are still plenty of tickets available for the clash with Tonga at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/WelshRugbyUnion/status/1061877466678079489
“When I went there they had a completely losing mindset where they were happy go play against England and lose - as long as they tried hard everyone was happy.“They have the name Brave Blossoms and now those young guys, because they’ve seen Japan win, now think they can win. “The young guys now also play Super Rugby so they play against some of the best in the world on a weekly basis, so they think they can win and that’s what makes them more dangerous.” Eddie Jones
England coach Eddie Jones(Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)
“Everybody who puts the red shirt on during this autumn campaign leading must realise they have to grab this opportunity with both hands.With the nature of the competitiveness of this squad, the players know they have to take their opportunity. We took a lot of heart from making 10 changes for Italy in the Six Nations and getting a good victory.This autumn is a little bit different because we are two from two. We have got quite a bit of momentum from the Australia game and it is vitally important we keep that going through to South Africa next week.”Robin McBryde
Former Wales international Matthew J Watkins has spoken about his ongoing battle with cancer this week.
And it’s safe to say he’s a true inspiration.
Best wishes, Matthew.
Matthew J Watkins is battling cancer
A reminder of this weekend’s international fixtures:
Italy v Australia, 2pm
Wales v Tonga, 2:30pm
England v Japan, 3pm
Scotland v South Africa, 5:20pm
Ireland v New Zealand, 7pm
France v Argentina, 8:05pm
Before we tuck in to the latest rugby action, we’ve got something brilliant to show you.
Admiral staff were treated to a tour of Principality Stadium by Tom Shanklin... and a certain Stephen Pound.
But all wasn’t as it seems...
Welcome to our live rugby blog, where we’ll be keeping you up to date with all the latest news throughout the day.
Wales have hinted at making a significant amount of changes for Tonga and they’ll confirm their team tomorrow.
In the meantime, we’ll be keeping you right up to date with all the latest rugby news, across all nations, throughout the day.
Stay tuned!