Justin Tipuric will captain Wales in Wayne Pivac’s first game in charge as they take on the Barbarians at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
With Alun Wyn Jones – this week nominated for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year – absent, Tipuric takes on captaincy duties as he did during the World Cup when Wales faced Uruguay.
The game will also see Scarlets back-three star Johnny McNicholl make his first appearance for Wales after being named on the wing, with Leigh Halfpenny at full-back and Josh Adams on the other wing.
Owen Watkin starts in the centres alongside Hadleigh Parkes in the absence of Jonathan Davies, while Jarrod Evans gets the nod at fly-half alongside Cardiff Blues teammate Tomos Williams.
Up front Dillon Lewis starts at tighthead alongside Ken Owens and Wyn Jones, while Jake Ball and Adam Beard combine in the second row.
And in the back row, Tipuric is joined by Aaron Wainwright and Aaron Shingler for the clash against a Barbarians team that will be coached by former Wales boss Warren Gatland.
“This week has been hugely exciting and hugely important for us as a group,” said Pivac.
“It has been an opportunity for us as a new squad and management to get together and to set the scene for what the future holds.
“There has been quite a lot of learnings for the squad this week, looking at what we are trying to do and us providing some clarity but we have also stressed the enjoyment factor of being together for the first time and the excitement of not only this weekend but the future.
“This weekend itself is really exciting. The Barbarians are what rugby is all about. It is the fun element of the game and supporters should be looking forward to some good old-fashioned running rugby and it should be an entertaining afternoon.
“It is fantastic to have a double header at the Stadium with Wales Women and it should be a great showcase of rugby.”
Elliot Dee, Rob Evans and Leon Brown provide the front-row cover on the bench with Seb Davies and Ollie Griffiths completing the forward contingent. Gareth Davies, Sam Davies and Owen Lane provide the backline cover.
Wales team to face Barbarians
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets) 14. Johnny McNicholl (Scarlets) 13. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) 12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) 11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) 10. Jarrod Evans (Cardiff Blues) 9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues)
1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) 2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) 3. Dillon Lewis (Scarlets) 4. Jake Ball (Scarlets) 5. Adam Beard (Ospreys) 6. Aaron Shingler (Scarlets) 7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (c) 8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons)
Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) 17. Rob Evans (Scarlets) 18. Leon Brown (Dragons) 19. Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues) 20. Ollie Griffiths (Dragons) 21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) 22. Sam Davies (Dragons) 23. Owen Lane (Cardiff Blues)
