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Two Welsh rookies to face Boks

Warren Gatland has named two uncapped players in his match day squad to face South Africa in the first of two Tests.

 

Scrumhalf Gareth Davies and flyhalf Matthew Morgan will be making their debuts if they come off the bench.

 

Adam Jones will make his 100th International appearance in the game at Kings Park in Durban, in a match that will be his 95th cap for Wales (five appearances for the British and Irish Lions).

 

Mike Phillips and Dan Biggar continue their partnership at No.9 and No.10 respectively, as do Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies in the midfield.

 

British and Irish Lions George North and Alex Cuthbert line-up on the wings, with Liam Williams starting at fullback.

 

In the pack Adam Jones is joined in the front row by Gethin Jenkins, who will be making a record 106th appearance for Wales, and Ken Owens.

 

Luke Charteris will partner captain Alun Wyn Jones in the second row with Aaron Shingler joining Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau in the loose trio.

 

"We started the tour well on Tuesday against Kings but it's important we go out on Saturday and perform to the level we know we can,” said Gatland.

 

"A Test series in South Africa is always a tough challenge, but we are excited by it and looking forward to getting out there on Saturday.

 

"A lot of this side have experienced playing over here before in big games and this week is no different, it's going to be a brilliant occasion, the atmosphere will be electric and hopefully it will be a great test match.

 

"As coaches we have been impressed in training over the last couple of weeks and there were a couple of tough calls to make but it's great guys like Gareth and Matthew have a chance after putting their hands up.”

 

Matthew Rees' remarkable return is capped with a place in the Test squad and he features on the bench will fellow front row replacements Paul James and Samson Lee. 

 

Ian Evans and Josh Turnbull complete the forward contingent with James Hook joining Davies and Morgan as cover for the backline.

 

Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Aaron Shingler, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Gethin Jenkins.     

Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Paul James, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Ian Evans, 20 Josh Turnbull, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 James Hook, 23 Matthew Morgan.

Date: Saturday, June 14

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 17:05 (15:05 GMT; 16:05 BST)

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Assistant referees: Steve Walsh (Australia), Marius Mitrea (Italy)

TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

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