A NEWCASTLE Emlyn rugby player will get the chance to impress and secure his spot in Wales’ World Cup squad this weekend.

Gareth Davies will start at scrum half for the Wales team to face England at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, August 5.

The match will be the 32-year-old from Newcastle Emlyn’s 68th appearance for the senior squad.

Also in the team for Saturday is fullback Leigh Halfpenny who is set to win his 100th cap for Wales. There will be debuts for tighthead prop Keiron Assiratti, loosehead prop Corey Domachowski and centre Max Llewellyn.

On the bench, Henry Thomas and Taine Plumtree could make their senior debuts for Wales.

Gatland said: “I’ve been really pleased with the players’ effort and commitment in Turkey, Switzerland and the mini camps in Wales prior, but now it’s about putting what we’ve been training into practice.

“We’re excited to get out on the pitch at the Principality Stadium this Saturday – it’s always so special playing at home in front of our amazing fans.

“There is some great competition among the squad in all positions and we’ve selected a team this week with a few debutants, because we want to give them the opportunity to see what they can do. There’s a lot to play for over the next three matches and everyone is still in contention to make that final squad for France.”

Wales team to face England on Saturday, August 5 at the Principality Stadium, 5.30pm kick off (live in Prime Video in English and Welsh): 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 George North, 12 Max Llewellyn, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Aaron Wainright, 7 Jac Morgan (captain), 6 Christ Tshiunza, 5 Will Rowlands, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Corey Domachowski.

Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Tomos Williams.

Tickets are available at www.wru.wales/tickets