Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Rugby World Cup 2023: The 14 changes you would make to Wales XV against Portugal

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Tuesday, 12 September 2023 22:47

BBC Sport website voters would like to see 14 changes for Saturday's second World Cup Pool C game against Portugal.

Wing Louis Rees-Zammit is the only player from the dramatic opening win against Fiji who you would start again in Nice.

Bordeaux replacements Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffell, Tomos Williams and Rio Dyer are all promoted to your first XV.

But Sam Costelow is edged out by Gareth Anscombe as your outside-half to face the Portuguese.

Scarlets stand-off Costelow came on for player of the match Dan Biggar in the second half of last weekend's thrilling 32-26 victory, but while he was in 42.39% of submitted teams, Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath-bound Anscombe gets the nod with 44.61%.

Having been left out of Warren Gatland's opening matchday 23, squad co-captain Dewi Lake is your choice at hooker, in between props Nicky Smith and Henry Thomas.

You pick Lake ahead of both Sunday starter Ryan Elias and Elliot Dee, who scored Wales' fourth try from the bench.

Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza make up an all-Exeter second row, while the number eight jersey split the opinion of voters. Taine Basham (29.07%) makes your back row ahead of Taulupe Faletau (27.40%) and Aaron Wainwright (25.52%).

Wales head coach Gatland - who will reveal his team on Wednesday - is expected to rest some players after their bruising encounter with Fiji, and online selectors have taken a similar approach.

Last Sunday's captain Jac Morgan is replaced at open-side flanker with Reffell, while you pick veteran Dan Lydiate to come in at blind side for Aaron Wainwright.

With just two scrum-halves in the squad, Williams is the only replacement for Gareth Davies at number nine and you opt for Dyer instead of try scorer Josh Adams on the left wing.

Inside centre Johnny Williams was in 82.66% of submitted teams, while midfield partner Mason Grady received 77.67% backing and 77.79% voted to start Leigh Halfpenny at full-back compared to just over 11% who wanted Liam Williams to continue at 15.

You can still pick your XV but your selections will not be counted towards the result - remember to share your picks on social media using #bbcrugby.

Wales XV to take on Portugal in Nice

Pick your starting XV for Wales' second Rugby World Cup 2023 pool game

Read 125 times

Soccer

Atléti mark Simeone's 700th game with late win

Atléti mark Simeone's 700th game with late win

Diego Simeone's 700th game in charge of Atlético Madrid ended in a late 2-1 win over Deportivo Alave...

Sources: Olof Mellberg to become St.Louis boss

Sources: Olof Mellberg to become St.Louis boss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Aston Villa and Sweden defender Olof Mellberg has signed a m...

Arteta backs Saka amid Kane drop-outs comment

Arteta backs Saka amid Kane drop-outs comment

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMikel Arteta has hit back at anyone questioning Bukayo Saka's commi...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

NBA follows NFL in warning players on burglaries

NBA follows NFL in warning players on burglaries

EmailPrintThe NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes followi...

Sources: Zion (hamstring) not close to returning

Sources: Zion (hamstring) not close to returning

EmailPrintNew Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has undergone multiple treatments on his left ha...

Baseball

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Kyle Finnegan -...

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Aaron Judge is one of the few people on Earth who can r...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated