Wales prepare for Ireland test as World Cup nears

  • Wales
Warren Gatland has named a strong side to face the Irish. Credit: PA

Wales' World Cup preparations will shift up a gear as Warren Gatland's men take on Ireland in a friendly in Dublin tomorrow.

In what will be the penultimate match before the competition begins next month, Gatland has named a stronger side to the one that went down to the Irish at the Millennium Stadium earlier in August.

A returning George North teams up in the back-three alongside Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert. Also starting are the likes of centres Scott Williams and Jamie Roberts, half-backs Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb and experienced back-row campaigners Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau, with Justin Tipuric wearing the number seven shirt.

Sam Warburton, who misses the clash with a minor shoulder injury, says that experience will count going forward into the tournament.

Sam Warburton misses tomorrow's game through injury. Credit: PA

Wales go on to play Italy in Cardiff on the 5th of September before they kick off their World Cup campaign against Uruguay, also at the Millennium Stadium, on the 20th.