Warren Gatland is eager to keep the momentum of a strong start to the Autumn Internationals going against Australia this weekend, after making three changes to his Wales starting XV.
Two of those changes see English-based players – all of whom were unavailable for last week’s victory over Six Nations rivals Scotland – come into the side as Josh Adams will start on the wing and Tomas Francis at prop.
The third alteration is Adam Beard replacing Cory Hill in the engine room to form an all-Ospreys second-row partnership with captain Alun Wyn Jones.
That means Gareth Anscombe – who so impressed as Wales claimed the inaugural Doddie Weir Cup with a 21-10 triumph a week ago – retains his spot at fly-half, despite 62-cap Dan Biggar being available once more.
Biggar has to settle for a place on the bench against the Wallabies, as does fellow British & Irish Lion Liam Williams.
Wales will make it seven wins on the spin if they are victorious at Principality Stadium on Saturday and Gatland is excited about the position his players are in just three months out from the 2019 Six Nations.
“We were pleased to get a good opening win under our belts last weekend and this Saturday is all about building on that,” said the coach
“With selection we wanted some continuity and to be consistent but also mindful there are a number of players who did really well for us in the summer and they need to be rewarded and have their opportunity.
“Adam (Beard) impressed in the summer as did Josh (Adams) and they deserve the chance to start.
“There is a really good balance to the team, a lot of competition which is exactly what we wanted.
“The bench is packed with quality and experience and it will be great to see them have an impact on Saturday.”
Wales team to play Australia: 15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), 14. George North (Ospreys), 13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), 12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), 11. Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors), 10. Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), 9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets), 1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys), 2. Ken Owens (Scarlets), 3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), 4. Adam Beard (Ospreys), 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, captain), 6. Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), 7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), 8. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) Replacements: 16. Elliot Dee (Dragons), 17. Rob Evans (Scarlets), 18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), 19. Cory Hill (Dragons), 20. Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), 21. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), 22. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints), 23. Liam Williams (Saracens)
