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Jamie Roberts wants to repay Warren Gatland

Roberts wants to repay Gatland
© PA Photos
Jamie Roberts says that he must repay Warren Gatland for including him in the Wales side to face Italy this weekend.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts has set out to repay coach Warren Gatland's faith in him after the centre was selected to start against Italy this weekend.

The 25-year-old feared that he wouldn't be included in the side following Gatland's decision to replace the Cardiff Blues player with Scott Williams during Wales's 19-12 win over England after Roberts suffered a knee injury.

"Playing for Wales is never a given and I was probably more nervous before this week than I ever have been in my career," BBC Sport quotes Roberts as saying.

"Obviously disappointed to come off in Twickenham and it's a tough week's rehab. The knee is back fully fit and the medics have passed me fully fit for the weekend.

"The pressure for positions is certainly driving everyone on and you need it in a successful squad. I know I'm one game away from being dropped, it's as simple as that, and I know I have to repay the faith Warren has shown in me."

Wales's back division is unchanged for the fourth successive match.

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