These are your rugby headlines on Wednesday, August 9.
Gatland to go early again
Warren Gatland will again name his Wales team early as he reveals the matchday 23 to take on England at Twickenham this morning.
Having defeated Steve Borthwick’s side in Cardiff last Saturday, Gatland’s men head to London for a reverse fixture as they continue their World Cup preparation.
While England named their 33-man World Cup squad on Monday, there’s still just under two weeks until Gatland reveals his hand for the tournament in France – meaning this weekend will offer another chance for some World Cup auditions.
READ MORE: Gatland gives young centre Wales debut and Faletau fitness update issued
More debutants are expected after some new faces were blooded last weekend. Scarlets centre Joe Roberts is in time for a first start at outside centre, with the 23-year-old likely to partner Nick Tompkins in midfield.
There could be further debuts for Scarlets loose-head Kemsley Mathias and Ospreys centre Keiran Williams – with both in line for bench spots.
Gareth Anscombe isn’t fit for selection, opening the door for Owen Williams to lay down a marker, with the fly-half having returned to training after missing both overseas training camps.
Gatland alluded to Dan Lydiate being given a run-out and it seems likely the chop-tackling Dragons back-row will pack down alongside Tommy Reffell and Taine Plumtree – with the new Scarlets signing set to be handed his first start at No. 8.
Other starters could include Scarlets wing Tom Rogers and Ospreys lock Rhys Davies, with Gatland also set to try out another captaincy candidate. On that front, Ospreys duo Dewi Lake and Adam Beard could both be contenders to lead.
You can follow live updates here.
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Jenks tips Costelow for big future
Neil Jenkins has tipped Sam Costelow to become a vital player for Wales over the coming seasons.
Young Scarlets outside-half Costelow had a fine game during Wales’ victory over England last weekend. And Wales kicking coach Jenkins is confident the 22-year-old will go from strength to strength.
“He’s a massive talent and he’s going to have a big future for Wales moving forward,” said Jenkins. “He did pretty well on Saturday in terms of what we were trying to get out of it.
“He had one or two little errors in there but that’s test rugby. He’s tough, he tackles hard, he’s a talented player who understands the game, and he’s been exceptional with the group in meetings.
“He’s been at the forefront of most of the stuff we are doing so he’s going to be a big player for Wales going forward.”
Former Wales outside-half Jenkins believes it’s Costelow’s decision-making under pressure which is his point of difference.
“He’s a good rugby player,” he added. “He sees space, he understands space, he understands the way you want to play and certain patterns you need to run.
“His decision-making generally is very good, and he is very comfortable on the ball. If he keeps working hard and keeps improving, I have no doubt he is going to be a big player for Wales.”
Vunipola: I had to apologise
Billy Vunipola says he had to apologise to England head coach Steve Borthwick for his attitude during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The Saracens No.8 was left out of Borthwick’s Six Nations squad just gone, with rumour swirling that it was to do with the rift that started in Treviso four years ago.
At a catch-up meeting in March after the Six Nations, Vunipola felt compelled to apologise to Borthwick for his behaviour to the-then forwards coach under Eddie Jones’ tenure.
“I had a conversation with Steve about rugby after training when we were in Treviso,” he told The Telegraph. “I said a few things that were out of line, basically. I said some things that never should have been said to Steve in that way, but also in front of other people.
“We had already had conversations about my rugby in January and it is important to say that I don’t believe it had anything to do with me not playing in the Six Nations.
“But I felt it was important for myself to address the issue and actually apologise to Steve, having matured a little bit. I just wanted to let him know that I was sorry, because I am sorry, you know.
“He should never have been in that situation where I’ve made him feel like I was patronising towards him. Especially as an elder, not just the coach but someone who’s older than me. It was very disrespectful what I did to Steve.”
Borthwick made the trip to see him at his house at the end of the Six Nations. “I felt it was important to say sorry, but also realise my actions were wrong,” Vunipola added. “So I apologised to Steve, we’ve buried the hatchet, or at least I feel that he’s forgiven me, which is what I felt like needed to happen.”
Fiji announce squad
Wales’ pool opponents Fiji have announced their 33-man squad for the World Cup in France.
Toulon back Waisea Nayacalevu will skipper the side in group C, while former Dragons prop Mesake Doge is also included.
No player in Simon Raiwalui’s squad has more than 50 caps to his name, while 23 of the 33 have fewer than 10 appearances.
The Pacific Islanders have had a successful World Cup warm-up schedule to date, beating Tonga, Samoa and Japan.
Wales face Fiji in their tournament opener in Bordeaux on September 10.
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata.
Backs: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), Iosefo Masi, Selestini Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese.
