DANNY STARTS IN AUSTRALIA ROUND 2

By Edward Rice | 14/06/2012

Danny Lydiate is named in the Wales back row for the 2nd test against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday (11:00)

Danny Lydiate is named in the Wales back row for the 2nd test against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday (11:00).

Coach Rob Howley has made 4 changes to the side to be played under the closed roof of the Etihad Stadium.

Up front, Dragons back row Toby Faletau is replaced by Ryan Jones after returning home with a broken hand. Luke Charteris also misses out on the starting line-up with Alun Wyn Jones coming in and Matthew Rees replacing Ken Owens at hooker.

There is one change in the backs where Ashley Beck replaces Scott Williams but George North has recovered from his dead leg in time to start.

"After the first Test Australia are obviously in the ascendency, but the tour is not over by any means and we have all to play for on Saturday," said Wales caretaker head coach Rob Howley.

"We are bringing three very experienced players into the pack, all three made an impact from the bench during the first Test which has justified their selection in the starting line-up this weekend.

"We were also impressed with the performances of Ashley Beck, Justin Tipuric, Richard Hibbard and Rhys Webb on Tuesday night and they have each very much played themselves into the squad.

"Having played two matches now on Australian soil we have acclimatised and are ready for another huge challenge this Saturday in Melbourne."

Departing Dragons wing Aled Brew will return home this week after a hip contusion (bruise) has ruled him out of contention for selection for the next two weeks but no further players will be added to the squad.


WALES: Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), George North (Scarlets); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), DAN LYDIATE (DRAGONS), Sam Warburton (Blues, capt), Ryan Jones (Ospreys).
Replacements : Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Paul James (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), James Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets)

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