Coach Warren Gatland has opted for an 18-13 forwards-to-backs split in Wales’ World Cup squad to travel to Japan.
In revealing his his final 31-man squad on Sunday, Gatland made a few bold calls, with neither Rob Evans or Samson Lee cracking the nod.
However, Rhys Carre and James Davies have earned their tickets to Japan, while Rhys Patchell is picked ahead of Jarrod Evans, with Owen Watkin winning selection instead of Scott Williams.
Five props have been named in Carre, Nicky Smith, Wyn Jones, Tomas Francis and Dillon Lewis. Ken Owens, who is heading to his third World Cup, Elliot Dee and Ryan Elias are included as the three hookers in the squad.
Captain Alun Wyn Jones who has featured in three World Cups and played in 15 tournament matches is one of four second rowers alongside Jake Ball, Adam Beard and Cory Hill.
Wales have named six back rowers in Davies, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Aaron Shingler, Justin Tipuric and Aaron Wainwright.
Gareth Davies, Aled Davies and Tomos Williams are named as the scrumhalfs with Dan Biggar and Patchell as the flyhalfves.
Jonathan Davies, Hadleigh Parkes and Watkin feature as the centres in the squad with Josh Adams, Hallam Amos, Leigh Halfpenny, George North and Liam Williams included as the back-three selections.
‘Selection is always the toughest part of the job and that is especially true come World Cup time,’ said Gatland.
‘Reducing the squad down to 31 has been extremely hard especially when you look at the depth we have created and the amount of the work the training squad have put in, for some, 14 weeks of training.
‘We are really happy with the final 31, we feel there is an excellent blend to the squad, in terms of talent, experience and age profile and we are all incredibly excited about heading to Japan and what lies ahead.
‘These players have performed and delivered for Wales and deserve the opportunity to represent their nation at the game’s showpiece tournament.’
Wales World Cup squad:
Forwards: Jake Ball, Adam Beard, Rhys Carre, James Davies, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Ken Owens, Aaron Shingler, Nicky Smith, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Josh Adams, Hallam Amos, Dan Biggar, Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Hadleigh Parkes, Rhys Patchell, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams.
Photo: EPA/Neil Munns
