By Dafydd Jones
Wales boss Wayne Pivac has named his squad for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series opener against New Zealand in Cardiff.
The main talking point sees Dragons winger Rio Dyer make his Wales debut, while Leigh Halfpenny starts at full-back, having been out injured for over a year.
Other returns from injury include hooker Ken Owens and new captain Justin Tipuric, who are both included in Pivac’s starting XV.
“It’s great having Ken Owens, Justin Tipuric and Leigh Halfpenny back,” Pivac said.
“They bring a lot of experience and they are big-game players. Playing New Zealand doesn’t get much bigger so we’re really looking forward to having them back in the side.”
Fly-half Gareth Anscombe starts at fly-half, alongside Tomos Williams wins the battle against Kieran Hardy for a starting spot.
Following a wrist injury to Josh Adams, winger Dyer gets an opportunity to impress.
“Rio has fitted in really well and really quickly,” Pivac stated. “He’s thriving in this environment. He’s a young man that’s bringing some form with him into camp. He scored some great tries and he’s full of confidence.
“That means a lot to a young guy playing his first Test match in front of a big crowd. There’s no better way to start your career so we wish him well.”
Squad in full:
Wales: Halfpenny, Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Dyer, Anscombe, T Williams, Thomas, Owens, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Tipuric, Reffell, Faletau.
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Lewis, Alun Wyn Jones, Tshiunza, Hardy, Priestland, Watkin.