Blair Murray, the 23-year-old wing for Scarlets, is poised to potentially earn his first cap for Wales against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians in Cardiff on Monday. Originally from New Zealand, Murray qualifies for the Welsh national team through his mother, who hails from Tonyrefail in south Wales.
Having risen through the ranks of the Crusaders academy and played with Canterbury in New Zealand’s domestic league, Murray made the move to Wales this year. He joined Scarlets over the summer and has participated in six matches. His impressive performance has caught the attention of selectors, and he might be favored over Rio Dyer for a starting position.
In addition to Murray, Cardiff players Ben Thomas and Mason Grady are expected to return to their preferred positions, following their roles in the summer squad. Thomas has previously played fly-half during two Tests in Australia but is likely to return to his usual inside centre position, while Grady is set to move to the wing, partnering with Max Llewellyn, who has recently been in fine form for Gloucester.
This match may mark Llewellyn’s second start, and he joins a team that also sees the return of half-backs Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe, who has been out of international action for over a year due to injury.
Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan faces uncertainty as he works through a minor injury, while Leicester’s Tommy Reffell is expected to hold onto the number seven jersey. Bath’s Archie Griffin could continue in the tight-head prop position after recovering from a minor heart condition. Additionally, locks Adam Beard and Will Rowlands are anticipated to return after missing the summer program.
Wales is currently facing a tough period, having lost their last nine international matches, a streak that stretches over 13 months. A loss against Fiji would tie them with a record 10 consecutive international losses, a grim statistic last seen in 2002-2003.
As Wales prepares to face Fiji at 1:40 AM on Monday (Fiji Time) and looks ahead to challenging matches against Australia and South Africa later in the month, there remains hope that the team can turn things around, welcome new talents like Murray, and reclaim their competitive spirit on the international stage. This could be a pivotal moment, not just for the players, but for the revival of Welsh rugby.
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