Wales have lost four players through injury for their Rugby World Cup bronze medal match against New Zealand in Tokyo on Friday.
Wales coach Warren Gatland has made nine changes to his side to play New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup third-place playoff match on Friday — his last game in charge after 12 years.
With Wales edged out by South Africa in the semi-finals, Gatland, who has four players unavailable through injury, has given some of the less-used squad members a start in the match.
Tomos Williams and Rhys Patchell form a new halfback partnership, while Owen Watkin features alongside Jonathan Davies in midfield.
Nicky Smith and Dillon Lewis come into the starting side in the front row to join Ken Owens, while Adam Beard returns to partner captain Alun Wyn Jones in the second row. James Davies comes into the back-row alongside Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty.
Winger Josh Adams, the tournament’s leading try scorer with six, remains in the back three alongside Owen Lane, who comes in on the wing, and Hallam Amos at fullback.
Lane will be making his tournament debut after joining the squad last week to replace the injured Josh Navidi.
Tomas Francis, George North and Aaron Wainwright were unavailable through injury, as was Leigh Halfpenny due to concussion.
15. Hallam Amos, 14. Owen Lane, 13. Jonathan Davies, 12. Owen Watkin, 11. Josh Adams, 10. Rhys Patchell, 9. Tomos Williams, 8. Ross Moriarty, 7. James Davies, 6. Justin Tipuric, 5. Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4. Adam Beard, 3. Dillon Lewis, 2. Ken Owens, 1. Nicky Smith
Reserves: 16. Elliot Dee, 17. Rhys Carre, 18. Wyn Jones, 19. Jake Ball, 20. Aaron Shingler, 21. Gareth Davies, 22. Dan Biggar, 23. Hadleigh Parkes.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Support Gatland fully in putting this team on the field. A blend of experience and players on the way up, or good solid backup guys. In a game like this one, and with so many injured players, it is right to give the less experienced players a run. They will treasure the experience of playing against the AB's, whatever the score....though I hope there is not a big blowout. Interesting tom see what the AB mental state is. That could swing either way. An interesting game in prospect.
MikeJ
Roar Rookie
All Blacks by 46 runs
GibbonRib
Roar Rookie
What on earth are you talking about? Which changes in particular are you taking such offence at?
Malo
Guest
He’s thrown in the towel. Disgraceful, hope the abs gets 100.