WALES RELEASE CARDIFF DUO

Scrum-half Gareth Cooper and flanker Sam Warburton have been released by Wales to play for Cardiff Blues in Tuesday's tour match against Australia.

Cooper, who started at No 9 in Saturday's 33-16 victory over Argentina, is likely to make way for Dwayne Peel at the Millennium Stadium.

Warburton was unlikely to have featured in the 22 when Wales look for their third straight autumn victory on Saturday.

Wales backs coach Rob Howley said: "This is an opportunity for both players to play in what will be an historic game for the Cardiff Blues. We feel we have the strength in depth.

"Both Gareth and Sam could well have figured in our own plans on Saturday, and are not entirely ruled out should we need to make any changes.

"But they will not be named for Wales when we make our team announcement on Tuesday. This decision is about putting the players first."

Wales head coach Warren Gatland will now make a switch at scrum-half for Saturday. His only other major decision to make is in the centre, where he must decide whether to recall a fit-again Tom Shanklin, who has recovered from a long-term shoulder injury, ahead of Jonathan Davies.

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