Wales v S Africa: Teams

Wales have Lee Byrne back and youngster George North making a debut as they look to take a rare Tri-Nations scalp against South Africa in Cardiff.

The Springboks won in Dublin last week as underdogs, due to a number of absentees, but they showed why they are world champions by beating the Irish despite a late home rally.

Wales also had injury worries as they lost at home to Australia, but they have been boosted by Byrne's return as Warren Gatland makes three changes to his starting line-up.

Byrne is back at full-back, and that not only provides more attacking intent it also allows the influential James Hook to move into midfield to try and have more say on proceedings.

One enforced switch up-front sees flanker Martyn Williams win a 97th cap as replacement for his Cardiff Blues colleague Sam Warburton, who is sidelined with calf muscle trouble.

North starts

It is the inclusion of 18-year-old North though that has caught the imagination, with the hefty winger making just seven senior appearances in his short career to date.

The Scarlets prospect, who is 6ft 4in and weighs in at almost 17 stone, replaces Will Harries for his Test debut and will face up against the flying Bryan Habana in what is a classic baptism of fire.

There are two notable forward additions to the replacements' bench in fit-again Ryan Jones, who will cover the second-row positions, and Wasps number eight Andy Powell.

Jones takes the place of Deiniol Jones among the replacements, with Powell filling the vacancy created by Williams' promotion, while Andrew Bishop, who started against Australia at centre, takes over from his Ospreys colleague Dan Biggar on the bench.

Powell has not played for Wales since the infamous golf buggy episode last season saw him kicked out of the Wales squad. He was recalled to tour New Zealand in the summer, but injury ruled him out.

The Springboks enter Cardiff with their tails up after keeping hopes of a first Grand Slam in 50 years alive, thanks to their 23-21 confidence-boosting win over Ireland.

Second rower Victor Matfield will become South Africa's all-time record Test cap holder when he takes to the field, with the stand-in Springboks captain earning his 103rd cap and moving one ahead of the previous record shared by Percy Montgomery and injured skipper John Smit.

Matfield will lead out a South Africa side showing just one change from Dublin, with Francois Steyn playing in place of Zane Kirchner after linking up with the squad from French club Racing Metro on Monday.

Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 George North, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 James Hook, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Jonathan Thomas, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Bradley Davies, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Paul James, 18 Ryan Jones, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Richie Rees, 21 Andrew Bishop, 22 Chris Czekaj.

South Africa: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Frans Steyn, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield (capt), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira,
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Zane Kirchner, 22 Patrick Lambie.