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Peel returns for Wallabies clash

Dwayne Peel has reclaimed the number nine shirt for Wales
Dwayne Peel has reclaimed the number nine shirt for Wales

Wales have brought in Dwayne Peel to replace Gareth Cooper at scrum half for Saturday's match with Australia at the Millennium Stadium in the only change to the lineup from last weekend's win over Argentina.

Peel, a replacement in the 33-16 win over the Pumas, was handed a start after Wales coach Warren Gatland let Cooper face the touring Wallabies for his regional side Cardiff on Tuesday.

Scarlets scrum half Martin Roberts takes Peel's position on the bench in the only other change to last Saturday's squad.

‘Dwayne comes into the side in a straight swap for Gareth, allowing two Welsh scrum halves a shot at the Wallabies in the space of a week and ensuring both players have the chance to benefit from the experience,’ Gatland said in a WRU statement.

‘They are one of the top three teams in world rugby and we have no right to expect anything other than the sternest of tests - both physically and mentally - on Saturday, but we feel we are up to it,’ he added.

Wales team to play Australia in Cardiff on Saturday 28 November, 5.15pm:

15-James Hook, 14-Leigh Halfpenny, 13-Jamie Roberts, 12-Jonathan Davies, 11-Shane Williams, 10-Stephen Jones, 9-Dwayne Peel; 8-Ryan Jones (captain), 7-Martyn Williams, 6-Andy Powell, 5-Luke Charteris, 4-Alun-Wyn Jones, 3-Paul James, 2-Matthew Rees, 1-Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16-Huw Bennett, 17-Duncan Jones, 18-Jonathan Thomas, 19-Dan Lydiate, 20-Martin Roberts, 21-Andrew Bishop, 22-Tom James.

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