Tomos Williams will make his Wales debut against South Africa on Saturday as one of five Cardiff Blues stars in a team captained by Ellis Jenkins.
Williams has enjoyed an impressive season at Wales’ Capital Region, culminating in a stunning try in the European Challenge Cup final, and has been rewarded for his fine form.
He partners fellow Cardiff Blues star Gareth Anscombe at half-back.
Up front Jenkins, who captains Wales for the first time at senior level, is joined by regional teammates Dillon Lewis and Seb Davies.
“Saturday is a huge opportunity for this squad and for players individually,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.
“Everything we are doing is geared for the RWC in 15 months’ time and the next three matches are a hugely important part of our development.
“This weekend is an opportunity for players to build on their test rugby experience and lay a marker down for the jersey and for the position going forward.
“I think there are exciting selections across the team and I’m looking forward to Saturday to see what we are able to do against the Springboks.
“Ellis has had experience with it in the past, with Wales under-20s and he’s had experience with the Cardiff Blues.
“I see him, potentially, as a future Wales captain and it’s a great opportunity for him to have this accolade and hopefully he gets a huge amount of support.”
Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones and Rhodri Jones provide the forward cover on the bench. Adam Beard and uncapped flanker Aaron Wainwright complete the forward contingent. Aled Davies, Rhys Patchell and Hadleigh Parkes are named as the backline cover. (Patchell will undergo a fitness test ahead of the game with Gareth Davies providing cover if he does not come through the session)
WALES TEAM TO PLAY SOUTH AFRICA
(Saturday June 2 KO 17:00 local – live on Channel 4)
15. Hallam Amos (15 Caps)
14. Tom Prydie (7 Caps)
13. George North (73 Caps)
12. Owen Watkin (4 Caps)
11. Steff Evans (9 Caps)
10. Gareth Anscombe (15 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (*Uncapped)
1. Nicky Smith (18 Caps)
2. Elliot Dee (7 Caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (2 Caps)
4. Bradley Davies (62 Caps)
5. Cory Hill (15 Caps)
6. Seb Davies (4 Caps)
7. Ellis Jenkins (6 Caps) (CAPT)
8. Ross Moriarty (20 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Ryan Elias (2 Caps)
17. Wyn Jones (8 Caps)
18. Rhodri Jones (16 Caps)
19. Adam Beard (2 Caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (*Uncapped)
21. Aled Davies (8 Caps)
22. Rhys Patchell (8 Caps) / Gareth Davies (32 Caps)
23. Hadleigh Parkes (6 Caps)