Gatland recalls big guns for All Blacks
Out goes most of the team that scraped to a miserable 13-6 victory over Georgia last weekend, when the All Blacks were pushed hard before running out 22-17 victors over Scotland.
Lock Alun Wyn Jones returns to lead the Welsh side, the Ospreys player part of an unchanged pack from November's opening 21-29 defeat to Australia.
Jones will pack down with Jake Ball in the boilerhouse, with Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi and Taulupe Faletau named in the back row – Navidi keeping the returning Justin Tipuric on the bench.
The front row comprises Rob Evans, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis. Rhys Webb slots in to partner Dan Biggar at halfback with two Williams, Owen and Scott, forming the midfield as Jonathan Davies is out injured.
The back three features Leigh Halfpenny at fullback with Hallam Amos coming in for the injured Liam Williams and Steff Evans on the other wing.
"It's great to name an unchanged pack from the Australia match," said Gatland.
"We were pleased with a lot of aspects of our second-half performance in that match so we are looking to build on that on Saturday."
Gatland added: "We have a couple of injuries in the backline, but we also have players on form starting. Steff Evans and Hallam Amos are both on form and we are excited to see what they can do.
"We have spoken heavily about opportunity this autumn and there is no greater opportunity than lining up against the world champions."
Kristian Dacey, Wyn Jones and Leon Brown provide front row cover on the bench. Cory Hill and Tipuric, who returns from injury for his first involvement in the autumn campaign, complete the forward contingent. Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland and veteran centre Jamie Roberts provide the backline cover.
Wales's long and painful wait since their last victory against New Zealand stands at 64 years and 29 Tests – they have lost every game and conceded almost 1 000 points since a famous 13-8 victory over New Zealand six days before Christmas in 1953.
Several of the Wales team, however, were part of the British and Irish Lions squad that secured a 1-1 series draw against the All Blacks in June/July.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Hallam Amos, 13 Scot Williams, 12 Owen Williams, 11 Steff Evans, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Josh Navidi, 6 Aaron Shingler, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 4 Jake Ball, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Rob Evans.
Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Cory Hill, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Jamie Roberts.
Date: Saturday, November 25
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17.15 (17.15 GMT; 06.15 NZ Time, Sunday, November 26)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Frank Murphy (Ireland)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)
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