Wales v Georgia in focus: Five talking points ahead of Saturday's clash

Wales and Georgia meet for the first time in international rugby union history on Saturday when they clash at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has made 14 changes to the side that lost 21-29 to Australia last weekend, with Liam Williams being the only player to keep his place.

While Wales look to develop their depth, Georgia will be looking to expand their horizons and push their case for a place in the Six Nations and a good showing against Wales will certainly help their cause.

Here are some of the talking points heading into the game.

Is Gatland right to make so many changes?

Unquestionably, yes. With a battle for World Cup seedings not an issue as the 2019 pools are already drawn up, and no Six Nations points at stake, this season's autumn Tests offer Gatland a rare opportunity to assess different combinations.

Strength in depth will be key by the time Wales launch their next World Cup campaign, so he needs to look closely at young talent like Owen Watkin, Leon Brown, Adam Beard, Sam Cross and Seb Davies. Gatland knows all about his senior players, and the rookies now have a gilt-edged chance to showcase their talent in the Test arena.

Can Georgia strengthen their claim for Six Nations entry?

Georgia have made impressive and sustained progress under their New Zealand head coach Milton Haig. Since the last World Cup in 2015, they have beaten Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Canada (twice) and the United States, yet there remains no real sign of Six Nations status being discussed at any serious level. Italy's annual struggle to make an impression on the tournament has undoubtedly made them vulnerable, so all Georgia can do is keep banging on the door, and a showpiece game against Wales offers a golden opportunity to further test the hinges.

Rhys Priestland renaissance

Priestland is back in Wales' number 10 shirt for a first time since the 2015 World Cup opener against Uruguay. It will be his 49th cap, and an opportunity to show the Welsh public just how well he has been playing for Aviva Premiership club Bath. He initially struggled to make an impact after leaving the Scarlets for the west country two years ago, but he has stepped up superbly this season, expertly filling the void following England star George Ford's departure to Leicester. Priestland's confidence is high and his decision-making impressively consistent.

Chance for Cross to shine

Wales' number seven shirt has been the property of Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric during the past half a dozen seasons, but with both of them currently injured, Saturday's encounter hands a chance to Olympic silver medallist Cross. A sevens specialist who helped Great Britain to a podium finish at last year's Rio Games, his professional 15-a-side experience is so far limited to just three games. But Cross' regional team the Ospreys and Wales boss Gatland believe he possesses considerable talent that could help him excel in the expanded code. Fifteen months after Rio, he is back in the spotlight.

Wales' autumn struggles against lower-ranked teams

Wales have never shirked the big guns during Gatland's coaching reign, with New Zealand, Australia and South Africa being regular Cardiff visitors, yet their November record is not great against lower-ranked nations at home. Wales lost to Samoa on home soil in 2012, while they drew with Fiji two years earlier.

Even victories have proved narrow affairs - Samoa (17-13, 2009), Tonga (17-7, 2013), Fiji (17-13, 2014) and Japan (33-30, 2016) - so Georgia should take considerable encouragement from that sequence. They will relish the opportunity.

Wales: 15 Liam Williams; 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Owen Watkin; 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Rhys Webb; 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Leon Brown; 4 Adam Beard, 5 Cory Hill; 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sam Cross, 8 Seb Davies.

Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Josh Navidi, 20 Taulupe Faletau, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Owen Williams.

Georgia: 15 Soso Matiashvili, 14 Giorgi Koshadze, 13 Davit Katcharava, 12 Merab Sharikadze (c), 11 Mirian Modebadze, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili, 2 Jaba Bregvadze, 3 Levan Chilachava, 4 Kote Mikautadze, 5 Giorgi Nemsadze, 6 Lasha Lomidze, 7 Vito Kolelishvili,8 Beka Bitsadze.

Replacements: 16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Kakha Asieshvili, 18 Soso Bekoshvili, 19 Giorgi Chkhaidze, 20 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 21 Giorgi Begadze, 22 Revaz Jintchvelashvili, 23 Merab Kvirikashvili.