Wayne Pivac has been Wales boss since taking Warren Gatland’s place in 2019 but now is the first time he will be calling on a veteran flanker for their Six Nations game against Ireland on February 7th.
An extremely experience back row has been named despite Osprey’s flanker Dan Lydiate not featuring since 2018. He will earn his 65th cap this Sunday when starting alongside British and Irish Lions Faletau and Tipuric.
Lydiate has been rewarded for his exceptional play in the Pro 14 with Osprey’s as Pivac chose him over Navidi who just recently returned from injury to full fitness.
George North has unexpectedly been named in the centre position with Jonathan Davies confirmed injured.
𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: Wales side to face @IrishRugby in our 2021 #GuinnessSixNations opener this Sunday ☘️ ⠀
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⏎ 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘓𝘺𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘢𝘶 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘴 𝘎𝘺𝘮𝘳𝘶 𝘢𝘮 𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘰 𝘤𝘺𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘧 𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴 𝘛𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘸𝘦𝘥𝘥 2018. ⠀
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🏴 #HWFN pic.twitter.com/tdEONKsBQi— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 5, 2021
Pivac would not want to risk Navidi so early into the competition so it makes sense for him to call on an experienced back row.
Do you think Wales will be able to defeat Ireland on Sunday with them missing two regular starters?