Wales make five changes to side for first Test with New Zealand
Thursday 9 June 2016 16:02, UK
Alun Wyn Jones will become Wales' fifth centurion when he wins his 100th cap against New Zealand on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
The Ospreys lock is part of a strong line-up selected by Warren Gatland for the first Test in Auckland, with five changes made to the side beaten 27-13 by England last month.
Live International Rugby Union
Captain Sam Warburton returns from a shoulder injury and there are also recalls for Gethin Jenkins, Ken Owens, Bradley Davies and Jonathan Davies.
Uncapped flanker Ellis Jenkins, who plays for the Cardiff Blues, is named as a replacement.
Gatland said: "We have made five changes since our last hit out and there is an opportunity for a number of players.
"It's an opportunity for a couple of boys to start and we are bringing in experience with Gethin, Ken and Bradley. In the midfield it's nice to have that experienced combination back and the players who move to the bench will still have an impact on game day.
"We are under no illusions how tough the test series will be against the back-to-back world champions but the players are also aware how important this tour is.
"We've had a great welcome down here in New Zealand, the NZ public have again made us feel very welcome and there is a good feel to the test series."
Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12-Jamie Roberts, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb; 1 Gethin Jenkins, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Bradley Davies, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 6 Ross Moriarty, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 8Taulupe Faletau
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Rob Evans, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Ellis Jenkins, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Gareth Anscombe, 23 Scott Williams.
