Wales must be the only team in world rugby more jinxed with injuries than Ireland.
Warren Gatland has been forced to dip into his travelling reserves ahead of this afternoon’s Six Nations opener against Ireland.
The Kiwi will now start Liam Williams at fullback after Gareth Anscombe was ruled out of the tie through injury.
CONFIRMED: L. Williams (15) to start with Anscombe out with tight hamstring. Williams in Dublin as travelling reserve. 1/2 #iamwales
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 7, 2016
Contrary to earlier reports, Williams did not need to catch a morning flight to Dublin. The Scarlets back was already in Dublin as backline cover.
A Welsh Rugby spokesperson confirmed to SportsJOE that Williams travelled with the matchday squad of 23 on Friday. The other reserves were Cory Allen and Paul James.
Gatland’s selection of Williams is a gamble. The 25-year-old has only played an hour of competitive rugby after sustaining an injury in last year’s World Cup. The last time he played a full 80 minutes was last May in a league tie with Treviso.
Williams has faced Ireland twice in his test career. He came on for Scott Williams in the 2014 loss at the Aviva Stadium and started on the wing in last year’s Six Nations win in Cardiff.
There are no late changes in the Irish side announced by Joe Schmidt on Friday.
