Breaking News: Faletau fit for Wales' World Cup opener against Fiji - USA Trending Blog

Breaking News: Faletau fit for Wales' World Cup opener against Fiji - USA Trending Blog

Breaking News: Faletau fit for Wales' World Cup opener against Fiji - USA Trending Blog

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has been passed fit to face Fiji in his side's opening Rugby World Cup game in Bordeaux on Sunday.

Faletau missed all three World Cup warm-up games in August with a calf injury but has recovered in time to win his 101st cap.

Flanker Jac Morgan will lead the side though co-captain Dewi Lake has been left out on fitness grounds.

Ryan Elias starts at hooker instead, and Aaron Wainwright moves to flanker.

Scrum-half Gareth Davies will partner Dan Biggar, while Saracens centre Nick Tompkins lines up alongside George North in an experienced midfield.

North will be appearing in his fourth World Cup while ten of the 23-matchday squad will be making their tournament debuts.

Gatland had reported a clean bill of health for his squad when they arrived in France this week but Lake, who injured his knee against England at Twickenham on 12 August, is not being risked.

"The medical team has done a fantastic job getting Dewi back to full fitness," said Gatland.

"He's not had as much training under his belt as the other hookers since he picked up that knock, so Ryan Elias and Elliot Dee are selected for this game."