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Jenkins to skipper reshuffled Wales

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Ellis Jenkins will skipper a much-changed Wales as Warren Gatland’s side go looking to rack up their third successive autumn Test triumph against Tonga this weekend.

Ellis Jenkins will skipper a much-changed Wales as Warren Gatland’s side go looking to rack up their third successive autumn Test triumph against Tonga this weekend.

The Cardiff Blues flanker, 25, will lead out a team that shows 14 alterations from the side that edged out Australia last time out.

Second-rower Adam Beard is the only player to retain his spot while British & Irish Lion Liam Williams is set to earn his 50th Welsh cap on the wing.

Full-back Jonah Holmes, of Leicester Tigers, will also make his debut, the 26-year-old full-back handed the No. 15 shirt, while Wyn Jones will earn his 10th cap but make his first start.

“Saturday is a fantastic opportunity for a number of players,” said head coach Gatland.

“It’s Jonah’s first game, which is exciting, and Liam reaches his 50th, which is a great achievement.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of Tonga.  They had a great win last weekend against the French Barbarians and we know it is going to be a tough, physical challenge.

“We have spoken about creating depth and for us that is all about creating a squad that is full of first-teamers, everyone in the squad capable of starting.

“The boys this weekend have to put their hand up for the final match and put pressure on the players who started last weekend.

“Ellis captains the team for the second time whilst making his first start at home and for Wyn [Jones], it is his first start in about nine appearances off the bench.

“It’s important to realise when selecting a team, that we look at all these things in terms of experience, starts, depth balance and opportunity, and all that goes into the mix.”

Seb Davies is named at No. 8 while Aaron Wainwright also makes his first Wales start.

Wales team to play Tonga (Saturday, November 20, 2pm kick-off): 15. Jonah Holmes, 14. Liam Williams, 13. Tyler Morgan, 12. Owen Watkin, 11. Steff Evans, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Tomos Williams, 1. Wyn Jones, 2. Elliot Dee, 3. Leon Brown, 4. Jake Ball, 5. Adam Beard, 6. Aaron Wainwright, 7. Ellis Jenkins (C), 8. Seb Davies

Replacements: 16. Ryan Elias, 17. Rob Evans, 18. Tomas Francis, 19. Cory Hill, 20. Ross Moriarty, 21. Aled Davies, 22. Rhys Patchell, 23. Josh Adams