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North reaches landmark cap

Alun Wyn Jones will lead Wales in a side that sees Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis make his international debut for the Welsh.

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Francis, 23, will pack down in an experienced pack, with Gethin Jenkins and Ken Owens joining him in the front-row.

Bradley Davies will pack down alongside captain Jones in the second row.

British and Irish Lions trio Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau make up the loose forwards.

Ospreys scrumhalfs Rhys Webb and flyhalf Dan Biggar continue their partnership, with Jamie Roberts and Scott Willams named in the midfield.

George North, Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny complete the backline.

"The squad are looking forward to travelling over to Ireland for what is a big warm-up fixture," said Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland.

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"We have trained well over the past few weeks and Saturday is a chance for a lot of players to get their first taste of rugby this campaign.

"We trimmed the squad down in the middle of August and the remaining 38 have worked extremely hard.

"It’s always a great game in Dublin and there is an important factor to this match, with the World Cup squad to be announced just a few days later."

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny,  14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Paul James, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 James King, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Hallam Amos.

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Date: Saturday, August 29

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Kick-off: 14.30 (13.30 GMT)

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Luke Pearce (England)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

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