Wales v South Africa: Teams

Flanker Jonathan Thomas believes Wales have "a big opportunity" of recording only a second victory over South Africa on Saturday.

Wales recorded their one and only win over the Springboks 11 years ago - but the world champions arrive at the Millennium Stadium without a number of key players.

Centre Juan de Jongh, winger Gio Aplon and flanker Francis Louw will make their debuts for the visitors, but the likes of Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger, Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn and Bakkies Botha are all missing.

And Thomas insists that Wales can make the most of the situation to secure a rare win.

"There is never a weak South Africa side, but a player like Schalk Burger is up there with the best in the world, so his absence and that of others is bound to have an effect," said Thomas.

"They are renowned for their strength in depth and their Super 14 teams have done well this year, but this is definitely a big opportunity for us.

Respect

"There is no psychological fear for us. Most of the players in our squad are experienced now and know what to expect from a game with South Africa.

"We have British and Irish Lions in our squad, players who featured in a Test victory over the Springboks only a year ago, so there isn't a mental issue to overcome.

"That isn't to say we do not respect them."

Wales have made just three changes from the side that finished the RBS Six Nations - with Leigh Halfpenny, Paul James and Deiniol Jones coming into the side.

Shane Williams has been ruled out through injury, though, however James Hook will play in the centres despite needing an operation.

South Africa's preparations have been hampered by the loss of Butch James - with the Bath fly-half withdrawn as the game falls outside the International Rugby Board's June Test window.

Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 James Hook, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Tom Prydie, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones (c), 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Jonathan Thomas, 5 Deiniol Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 John Yapp, 18 Alun Wyn Jones, 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Richie Rees, 21 Dan Biggar, 22 Andrew Bishop.

South Africa: 15 Frans Steyn, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Joe van Niekerk, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 François Louw, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit, 1 CJ van der Linde.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Meyer Bosman, 21 Zane Kirchner, 22 Bjorn Basson.