IRB Rugby World Cup
George North returns to win 50th cap as Tomas Francis makes Wales debut
ESPN Staff
August 27, 2015
George North and Leigh Halfpenny in action for Wales against France in the 2015 Six Nations Championship
George North and Leigh Halfpenny in action for Wales against France in the 2015 Six Nations Championship© Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

George North will earn his 50th Wales cap on Saturday as he makes his return to competitive action against Ireland in Dublin.

The British and Irish Lions wing has not played since March, due to the effects of three concussions suffered in five months, but has been named in a strong team captained by lock Alun Wyn Jones.

Tight-head prop Tomas Francis has also been included and will make his debut as he bids to prove he can fill in for Samson Lee during the Rugby World Cup.

Lee is yet to regain full fitness having ruptured his Achilles during the Six Nations and the game at the Aviva Stadium represents a huge opportunity for Francis, especially given Wales' struggles in the scrum in Cardiff two weeks ago.

In all 11 of the starting XV will be making their first appearance of the summer, while first-choice centres Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams both start.

"The squad are looking forward to travelling over to Ireland for what is a big warm-up fixture," Wales coach Warren Gatland said.

"We have trained well over the past few weeks and Saturday is a chance for a lot of players to get their first taste of rugby this campaign."

Gatland is due to name his 31-man World Cup squad on Monday, meaning Saturday's game is the last chance for those selected to impress.

Wales team to face Ireland:

L. Halfpenny; A. Cuthbert, S. Williams, J. Roberts, G. North; D. Biggar, R. Webb; G. Jenkins, K. Owens, T. Francis, B. Davies, A. Wyn Jones, D. Lydiate, J. Tipuric, T. Faletau.

Replacements: S. Baldwin, P. James, A. Jarvis, L. Charteris, J. King, G. Davies, R. Priestland, H. Amos.

© ESPN Staff

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