Wales v Canada: Teams

Wales boss Warren Gatland is hoping for a much-needed boost for his side when they take on Canada on Friday night.

The Canadians visit the Millennium Stadium with Wales looking for a boost in confidence, following three successive defeats at the hands of world champions South Africa.

With Australia and New Zealand ahead on the fixture list, Wales need to step up a gear and Gatland hopes that will come against an inexperienced Canada side in Cardiff.

The North Americans were thumped 55-0 in Ireland last week and Gatland's much-changed line-up will hope for a similar scoreline.

Changes

In all, Gatland has made 12 changes from the one that played the Springboks, and he hopes that with places up for grabs some big performers will step up.

Gatland has to plan without Gavin Henson for the coming internationals, as the Achilles injury that forced his late withdrawal last week has ruled him out of the autumn.

Scarlets scrum-half Martin Roberts will make his full Test debut at the Millennium Stadium, while Ospreys youngster Dan Biggar will make his debut off the bench with plenty expected of the 20-year-old fly-half.

Morgan Stoddart is given a chance at full-back to challenge Lee Byrne, while Leigh Halfpenny will look to build on his good performance last week on the wing.

"We've got a chance to put defeat against South Africa behind us and try to build some momentum, but the expectation will be there for us to perform," said Gatland.

"Canada will be hurting from their defeat against the Irish and we're expecting a bit of a backlash."

Cannucks

Cannucks coach Kieran Crowley has largely given the same side that were thrashed in Ireland a chance to redeem themselves in Cardiff.

The New Zealander has made two changes to his pack with lock Tyler Hotson and flanker Jebb Sinclair both making rare starts.

Canada, who came close to shocking Wales at last year's World Cup, are looking to build a team for the 2011 World Cup and are looking to bring their youngsters along.

"That loss has dented our pride but we are determined to bounce back," said Crowley.

"We only have eight professional players so a lot of young guys are on tour for the first time.

"They're not at the standard of international rugby yet but we want to give them the opportunity to see high level performance, take the experience on board and learn."

Wales: 15 Morgan Stoddart; 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Mark Jones; 10 James Hook, 9 Martin Roberts; 8 Ryan Jones (capt), 7 Robin Sowden-Taylor, 6 Dafyyd Jones; 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Ian Gough; 3 Rhys Thomas, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 John Yapp
Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Eifion Roberts, 18 Alun-Wyn Jones, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Dwayne Peel, 21 Dan Biggar, 22 Jamie Roberts.

Canada: 15 James Pritchard; 14 Ciaran Hearn, 13 Bryn Keys, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Justin Mensah-Coker; 10 Ander Monro, 9 Ed Fairhurst; 8 Aaron Carpenter,7 Adam Kleeberger, 6 Jebb Sinclair; 5 Josh Jackson, 4 Tyler Hotson; 3 Jon Thiel, 2 Pat Riordan (capt), 1 Kevin Tkachuk
Replacements: 16 Mike Pletch, 17 Frank Walsh, 18 Mike Burak, 19 Sean Michael Stephen, 20 Morgan Williams, 21 Matt Evans, 22 Dean van Camp.