Prydie to Become Youngest International Ever for Wales Against Italy

WALES coach Warren Gatland has reacted to last weekend's defeat to Ireland with five changes which will see Tom Prydie become the country's youngest ever international.

The wing will come in for Cardiff Blues's Leigh Halfpenny against Italy on Saturday, while Martyn Williams who led the side last weekend has been dropped from the match day squad altogether and has been replaced by Sam Warburton. The other changes see a return for Lions trio Ryan Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips with Paul James and Gareth Delve dropping to the bench.


At just 18 years and 27 days of age, Prydie will trump Norman Briggs, who was 23 days older when he was capped in 1888, and Gatland said of his latest debutant:“Tom has been with us for the duration of the campaign.

"He was one of two youngsters - brought in alongside Kristian Phillips – who we wanted to have a look at and we’ve been impressed with him."

Prydie's inclusion will certainly shock many, especially as the young Osprey has only made three appearances for his region and it is a huge step up from the Wales under-18 side.

But Gatland's selection policy is grounded in sense: “We are not sure if Leigh Halfpenny is going to be able to tour this summer because he may need an operation.

"We also need to look at our options for the future and find someone to push the incumbents for the World Cup."

This also explains the inclusion of Warburton ahead of 34-year old Martyn Williams who won his 95th cap at Croke Park. Wales have had a very disappointing Six Nations so far and need to experiment.

There are only a limited number of internationals left before the Welsh kick off their World Cup against South Africa in Wellington, on September 11, 2011, and the coaching set up need to test new players if they have any chance of being only the second nation from the northern hemisphere to lift the Webb Ellis trophy.

Richie Rees has been one of the few positives for Welsh rugby over the past four internationals and will feel hard done by after his exclusion, but Gatland is adament he is still in their plans as they try to blend experience with youth: “Ryan Jones returns to lead us as captain, Gethin Jenkins joins the pack and re-forms the all Lions front row for the first time since that tour, and Mike Phillips adds his considerable experience and talents to the backs.

“At scrum-half we are conscious that we need three players to all be pushing each other for a starting place and we have been happy with what we have seen from Richie Rees this tournament.

“Dwayne Peel is being given another chance. We want him to make an impact from the bench and improve on his showing last time out.”

Team to face Italy on Saturday, March 20:
L Byrne; T Prydie, J Hook, J Roberts, S Williams: S Jones, M Phillips; G Jenkins, M Rees, A Jones, B Davies, L Charteris, J Thomas, R Jones (capt), S Warburton.
Reps: H Bennett, P James, I Gough, G Delve, D Peel, A Bishop, T Shanklin.