Rugby College: Probables vs. Possibles: Our definitive guide to the Wales trial match at the ...

Friday, 30 May 2014

Probables vs. Possibles: Our definitive guide to the Wales trial match at the ...

It’s a throwback to the past and tomorrow evening, two sides will go head-to-head in the first Welsh trial match since 2000.

A Wales Probables side, coached by Rob Howley, will take on a Possibles side, led by Robin McBryde, at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium with places on this summer’s tour of South Africa firmly up for grabs.

Warren Gatland will name his squad to face the Springboks within hours of the game finishing, giving a number of fringe players a last chance to impress.

So what can we expect from tomorrow night’s match? Here’s our definitive guide to the encounter.Â

Who’s playing?

The Probables team is made up of players who are likely to go on the tour, those in the side having represented Wales over the last year or so. Howley’s side includes the likes of Jamie Roberts, Mike Phillips and captain Alun Wyn Jones, but Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and Richard Hibbard are among a number of those out injured.

In the Possibles side, coached by McBryde, Neil Jenkins and Dale McIntosh of the Cardiff Blues, there are a number of fringe players looking to stake a claim.

The Possibles are a team of players that fall into the maybe category – those who have impressed at regional level but haven’t really had the chance to shine on the international stage.

In their pack, there are a number of men looking to impress while James Hook leads an inexperienced back line from fly half.

PROBABLES: Liam Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Jordan Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Capt) (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Lewis Evans (Newport Gwent Dragons), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Dafydd Hewitt (Cardiff Blues).

POSSIBLES: Dan Fish (Cardiff Blues), Kristian Phillips (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Cardiff Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Capt) (Cardiff Blues), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys).

Replacements: Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Owen Evans (Newport Gwent Dragons), Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Macauley Cook (Cardiff Blues), James Davies (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys).

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When is the game?

The game will take place on Friday, May 30. Kick-off is at 7.05pm with the game screened live on BBC 2. Alternatively, follow the game on our WalesOnline live blog.

Where is it being played?

The trial match will be held at the Liberty Stadium, home of the Ospreys and Swansea City Football Club.

VIDEO: Rob Howley and Robin McBryde preview Friday’s game

Has a trial match happened before?

Yes. In 2000, former Wales boss Graham Henry held a similar event. On that occasion, the Kiwi had four teams – the Probables and Possibles, as well as two development sides. The idea was to run the rule over everybody who had a shot at playing for Wales.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are priced at Â£5 for adults and Â£1 for children under the age of 16 but are selling out fast. On Wednesday, there were less than 1,500 tickets remaining.

All profits will be donated to the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust.