Davies back to face All Blacks
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Wales have named an experienced side to face New Zealand on Saturday with centre Jonathan Davies the only personnel change to the team that lost against Australia.
Davies comes into the midfield to partner Jamie Roberts whilst Warren Gatland also calls upon the returning Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny in the backline.
Halfpenny comes back into the side after missing the Fiji match and links up with try-scorers from that game, George North and Alex Cuthbert in the back-three. Ospreys half-back pair Webb and Biggar are named at No.9 and No.10 respectively.
The pack features the same eight that started against the Wallabies.
Paul James, Richard Hibbard and Samson Lee comprise the front row. Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball start in the second row with captain Sam Warburton, who missed the clash against Fiji, coming back into the side alongside Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau.
“It’s pretty much the same side that played against Australia and it’s a boost to have a few players back from injury,” said Gatland.
“It’s one of the most experienced teams we have put out.
“A couple of decisions have been forced upon us. Gethin Jenkins has a hamstring strain, Bradley Davies hasn’t trained for the first couple of days and Liam Williams had a bit of ankle knock at the weekend and it was a big call on him but he will start on the bench.
“We are expecting another clinical performance from the All Blacks. We need to match their intensity and aggression.
“The players are obviously excited about the opportunity to face the number one side at a packed Millennium Stadium. We have named an experienced team and we are really looking forward to it.”
Ospreys pair Scott Baldwin and Nicky Smith are joined by Rhodri Jones as front row cover on the bench with Luke Charteris and Justin Tipuric completing the forward contingent.
Mike Phillips, James Hook and Liam Williams provide cover for the backline.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 James Hook, 23 Liam Williams.
Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Millenium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17.30 (17.30 GMT; 06.30 Sunday NZDT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
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