Gatland reveals Wales squad to face Boks
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has rested all but two players – wing George North and back-row forward Ross Moriarty – who were original British and Irish Lions selections in New Zealand last year.
It means the likes of regular Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones, No.8 Taulupe Faletau, flank Justin Tipuric, flyhalf Dan Biggar, wing Liam Williams and fullback Leigh Halfpenny are among those who have been given a break.
Gatland, whose side finished as Six Nations runners-up, has named one uncapped player, Cardiff Blues scrum-alf Tomos Williams, in a 31-man squad.
📹 Wales kick off their summer tour in Washington D.C @TheEventsDC against @Springboks in just over three weeks and Warren Gatland is looking forward to taking his squad to the U.S capital pic.twitter.com/ELjE48sjSA
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) May 8, 2018
Wales face the Springboks in US capital Washington on June 2, then travel to South America for appointments with the Pumas on June 9 and 16.
Experienced Bath lock Luke Charteris has earned a recall, while it is a major opportunity for Jenkins, who is considered by many as a future Wales skipper, to make his mark.
Gatland said: "We have picked Cory and Ellis as co-captains. They are both leaders and have experience captaining at regional level, so this is an opportunity for them to build on that.
"This summer is another step on our 2019 World Cup path and a great opportunity to build on recent campaigns."
Wales Squad:
Forwards: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues), Luke Charteris (Bath), Cory Hill (Dragons, co-captain), James Davies (Scarlets), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues, co-captain), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets). `
Backs: Aled Davies (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Steff Evans (Scarlets), George North (Northampton Saints), Tom Prydie (Scarlets).
AFP
