| Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 19 November Kick-off: 13:00 GMT |
| Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio Cymru and updates on BBC Radio Wales; live text commentary on BBC Sport website & app |
Wales captain Justin Tipuric is expected to be fit for Saturday’s match against Georgia in Cardiff.
Dillon Lewis, the flanker and the prop were not present at the captain's run at Principality Stadium. This was thought to be precautionary due to the management of their workloads.
Tipuric will be packing down in a back row along with Jac Morgan and new cap Josh Macleod.
Taulupe Fletau, number eight, has been designated as a replacement.
Christ Tshiunza, Exeter forward, is the second back-row option. Dan Lydiate suffered a broken arm in victory against Argentina, and Tommy Reffell sustained rib damage during the loss to New Zealand.
Cardiff prop Lewis will start against Georgia with Sam Wainwright and Tomas Francis on the bench.
Dafydd, a 19 year-old Exeter lock, is set to make his Wales debut.
Respect for Georgia
Georgia highlighted the respect shown to them by Wales before the Autumn Nations series match at Cardiff.
This game is normally reserved for wholesale schedule changes.
Wayne Pivac, Wales coach, made six changes at this time. Dan Lydiate and Will Rowlands weren't available.
“This is a sign that they respect us, it shows them they don't take our lightly which is good news for us,” Merab Sharikadze, Georgia captain.
Georgia is a potential danger to Wales, who have faced some difficult November matches in recent times.
Warren Gatland was the only one to win in Cardiff, Wales in 2017. Pivac beat the Georgians in Llanelli 18-0 three years later.
The result was 43-14 for Wales in the World Cup pool match in Japan 2019. Both sides will be re-joining the competition in France next year.
Sharikadze stated, “It is evident Wales are one the greatest sides in this world.”
They are in a very good place now. They have played an excellent game against Argentina.
“We are very motivated, and we can see that they are also motivated.
“It's going to be a tough match for us, but it is possible for us to make it difficult for them too.”
Georgia is proud of their status as underdogs. Levan Maisashvili (current head coach) believes that “all the pressure' is on Wales and his skipper concurs.
Sharikadze added, “Wales are favourites to defeat us.”
“Sometimes rugby isn't logical. It can go wrong.
“We will not be stopped for anything. We will go 100% no matter what happens.”
Sharikadze will witness the Principality Stadium roof open for the third time.
In addition to the 2017 experience, he was also part of the Georgian side which lost 43-10 in Cardiff to New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup.
“It was one my best experiences in life when I played here twice before,” said he.
Georgia arrives in Cardiff despite a defeat at home to Samoa of 20-19.
“It was disappointing for many reasons. Sharikadze added, “I hope it doesn't sound too arrogant, but I believe we deserved the win.”
“The only thing you will be happy as a Rugby player is to win a loss and show your support and the rest of the rugby community that something went wrong.”
“You may not win the game, but you still have the chance to give everything.”
They have a powerful head coach in Maisashvili who is able to overcome his own health issues after nearly dying from Covid-19 in 2021.
He became ill while on the South African team.
Maisashvili said, “I was hospitalized. I was in an induced coma for one and a half months.”
“I am now healthy and have survived. (Rugby) helped me recover. It's a way to fight something and get back to what you love. It's more than a job.
“The players were puzzled because they kept waiting every day and it was obvious that I was almost dead.
“When I returned, I recall going into the team area and seeing that the coaches were holding a meeting. I just sat quietly behind them.
“When they saw my face, it was the greatest emotion and surprise for them.”
Six Nations and URC in Georgia
Georgia has been Europe's dominant force in Europe’s second tier, and they have repeatedly requested the chance to join the Six Nations.
Their case will be strengthened by a 28-19 win at home against Italy, 2022 conquerors.
Positive discussions have been had about a Georgian side called the Black Lions being invited to the United Rugby Championship. This will include a key meeting next month and the possibility of them also participating in Europe's Challenge Cup.
Soso Tukemaladze of Georgia Rugby said, “It's a big honor for us to be able to play in Wales.”
“The Italy match was a step up with the Georgian team declaring, We won, we are ready to play seriously, and we will win.
“That's why the whole world is asking for more competitive games.
“This is our main objective. We're willing to fight and show others what we can accomplish.”
Wales will be hopeful that Georgian resistance will not bring down their government this weekend.
Wales: Rees-Zammit, Cuthbert, North Watkin, Adams, Priestland, T Williams, G Thomas, Owens; G Thomas; G Thomas; G Thomas; Owens; G Lewis, Carter; Beard, Tipuric (capt), J Macleod.
Replacements: B Roberts, R Jones, S Wainwright, D Jenkins, Faletau, Blacker, Costelow, Halfpenny.
Georgia: Niniashvili; Modebadze, Tapladze, Sharikadze (capt), Todua; Abzhandadze, Lobzhanidze; Gogichashvili, Chkoidze, Papidze, Cheishvili, Mikautadze, Saginadze, Gorgadze, Jalagonia.
Replacements: Mamukashvili, Abuladze, Kuntelia, Chachanidze, Mamamtavrishvili, Matkava, Khmaladze, Lomidze.
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
Assistant Referees: Pierre Brousset (FFR), Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)
TMO: Brendon Pellerill (NZR).
