WALES coach Robin McBryde is backing exciting Scarlets utility back Jordan Williams to produce his stunning form if he is called upon to win his first cap tonight.
The 20-year-old, who can play full-back, wing and outside-half, is among the replacements at the Millennium Stadium for this evening’s clash with Tonga.
Williams bagged a stunning try in the Scarlets’ surprise 33-26 away win at Harlequins in the Heineken Cup last month and has enjoyed an impressive season so far.
Regional teammate Rhodri Williams also grabbed a wonder score in that triumph in London and both are included in Wales’ match-day 23-man squad for Tonga that is a real blend of youth and dogged experience.
The Scarlets duo are almost bound to join Newport Gwent Dragons rising star Hallam Amos, who starts on the wing, in making their Test debuts.
On being asked about the possibility of Jordan Williams coming off the bench to face Tonga, who have claimed the scalps of France and Scotland over the last two years, forwards coach McBryde replied: “He could well do. Everyone's aware of Jordan's attacking threat from the Under-20s (International Rugby Board Junior World Championship) and we've all seen him tip-toeing down the touchline for that great individual try the other day (against Harlequins).
“If he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll be ready to take it. Our depth has been tested in a variety of positions because of injuries, but if Jordan has an opportunity I'm sure he'll show what he can do.”
On Wales’ 11 changes to the starting XV which enjoyed a record 40-6 victory over Argentina last week, following a 24-15 loss to South Africa in early November, McBryde added: "There is a fair bit of experience among the changes. We are aware that we need to rotate the squad.
"There aren't that many opportunities between now and the World Cup (in 2015) to see how the players react to international rugby.
“It is an opportunity to have a look at a number of individuals, with a fair bit of experience in the team as well.”
Among the backs, Wales have two of this summer’s British and Irish Lions heroes in full-back Leigh Halfpenny and wing George North, while old heads Paul James, Ken Owens, Luke Charteris, Ian Evans, Andrew Coombs, Justin Tipuric and Ryan Jones all start in the pack.
* Lock Bradley Davies has been ruled out of Wales’ final showdown of 2013 against Australia next weekend because of a shoulder injury suffered in last week’s win over Argentina.
It is a considerable blow with Perpignan lock Luke Charteris also unavailable after failing to secure a full release clause in his contract, the game falling outside the International Rugby Board's Test match window.
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