Robin McBryde rings the changes as Wales head to Samoa
Thursday 22 June 2017 11:50, UK
Ospreys' Rory Thornton will make his international debut on Friday night when Wales meet Samoa at Apia Park.
The 22-year-old former Wales U20 captain is one of seven changes to the side's starting XV following their 24-6 victory over Tonga at Eden Park.
Robin McBryde has been forced to ring the changes due to the four British & Irish Lions call-ups and a shoulder injury to winger Alex Cuthbert.
Aled Davies will make his first international start at scrum-half, Tyler Morgan comes in at outside centre and Cory Allen moves from the bench into the starting 14 jersey.
In the forward pack, prop Dillon Lewis, hooker Ryan Elias and flanker Ellis Jenkins all are promoted from the bench to the starting side.
Two uncapped players are named amongst Wales' replacements - Cardiff Blues' scrum-half Tomos Williams and Ospreys lock Adam Beard and if they take to the field then McBryde will have handed out 12 new caps on tour.
Ahead of the game, the head coach has warned his players to expect a big response from Samoa when they run out in front of their home fans:
"Samoa are a wounded animal after their scoreline against the All Blacks," said McBryde.
"They were very competitive for the first 20 to 30 minutes of that match before falling away, so I'm sure in front of a home crowd they will want to set the record straight.
"We've got to be braced for a backlash, a partisan crowd, and look to keep building on the good things we showed in our win against Tonga.
"Training has been hard and the players have been extremely focused, knowing they've got one last chance this season to give a good account of themselves for their country."
Samoa are boosted by the return of their captain David Lemi. The 35-year-old will start out wide in place of Tim Nanai-Williams, who played against the Lions on Tuesday for the Chiefs.
In a new-look back row, Alafoti Faosiliva arrives into the starting XV at No. 8 with Galu Taufale replacing Jack Lam at openside flanker.
South Africa's Marius van der Westhuizen will be the man in the middle for the Test match as Samoa look to bounce back in style while Wales' young squad endeavour to make their mark.
Wales: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Cory Allen, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Jamie Roberts (c), 11 Steffan Evans, 10 Sam Davies, 9 Aled Davies, 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Dillon Lewis, 4 Seb Davies, 5 Rory Thornton, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 Ellis Jenkins, 8 Josh Navidi.
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Adam Beard 20 Thomas Young 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Owen Williams, 23 Scott Williams.
Samoa: 15 D'Angelo Leuila; 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Reynold Lee-Lo, 11 David Lemi (c), 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotualii; 1 Viliamu Afatia, 2 Manu Leiataua, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 4 Chris Vui, 5 Faatiga Lemalu, 6 Piula Faasalele, 7 Galu Taufale, 8 Alafoti Faosiliva.
Replacements:16 Seilala Lam, 17 Nephi Leatigaga, 18 Bronson Fotualii-Tauakipulu, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Vavae Tuilagi, 21 Dwayne Polataivao, 22 Henry Taefu, 23 Tila Mealoi.
