WALES COACH WARREN Gatland has made three enforced changes t ohis team to play South Africa in at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
Scarlets back Liam Williams comes in for injured Northampton winger George North, while veteran prop Gethin Jenkins and hooker Scott Baldwin take over from Paul James and Richard Hibbard.
James and Hibbard have returned to club duty with Bath and Gloucester respectively since Saturday’s match falls outside the international Test window.
North had negotiated with Northampton to be available for the match, but he suffered what was described as a “severe laceration” in the 34-16 defeat by New Zealand last weekend and has undergone concussion tests in the week.
“We have had a couple of changes forced upon us, with the injury to George (North) and with Paul (James) and Richard (Hibbard) returning to their clubs but we have named what we think is a very strong side,” Gatland said.
“Last weekend was a very intense, physical encounter. The guys were disappointed but we have come in this morning, the squad are feeling fresh and the focus is looking ahead to Saturday and the Test against the Springboks.
“As coaches we will be asking for the same effort, intensity and desire as last week and we want a repeat of that… on Saturday.”
Toulon full-back Leigh Halfpenny and scrum-half Rhys Webb are both fit to play after coming off against South Africa.
Alex Cuthbert lines up on the other wing, with France-based duo Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts in midfield.
Dan Biggar is back to partner Webb at half-back, Rhys Priestland and Mike Phillips named on the bench.
Sam Warburton will captain the side from openside with Taulupe Faletau and Dan Lydiate completing the backrow, Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball teaming up in the boilerhouse.
Wales will be seeking an elusive second-ever victory over the Springboks. The two teams have played each other 29 times since 1906, with South Africa winning 27, losing one (1999) with one drawn (1970).
The last time they played, the Springboks mounted a stunning comeback to beat Wales 31-30 in Nelspruit in June.
Wales
15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Liam Williams
10. Dan Biggar
9. Rhys Webb
1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Scott Baldwin.
3. Samson Lee.
4. Jake Ball
5. Alun Wyn Jones.
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton (capt.)
8. Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Aaron Jarvis, Rhodri Jones, Luke Charteris, James King, Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams
South Africa
15. Willie le Roux
14 .Cornal Hendricks
13. Jan Serfontein
12. Jean de Villiers (capt)
11. Lwazi Mvovo
10. Pat Lambie
9. Cobus Reinach
1. Tendai Mtawarira
2 Bismarck du Plessis
3 Coenie Oosthuizen
4 Eben Etzebeth.
5 Victor Matfield.
6 Marcell Coetzee.
7 Teboho Mohoje.
8 Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Julian Redelinghuys, Lood de Jager, Nizaam Carr, Francois Hougaard, Handré Pollard, Damian de Allende.
